Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD Intertrigo is the medical name for a common rash that can occur in the skin folds. Sometimes these rashes are a warning sign of diabetes.
What is Intertrigo?
Intertrigo is an uncomfortable rash that occurs in your skin folds. It is common in these areas:
- Under the breasts
- Abdomen
- Armpits
- Groin and buttocks
- Between the fingers
Intertrigo rashes often feels irritated, burns and itches. The areas that are affected may have a damp discharge, be crusted, and can develop a foul odor.
What Does Intertrigo Look Like?
The rash of intertrigo often looks like red or brown patches under the breasts, armpits, on the abdomen, or in the groin. The skin may be damp and feel moist and raw to the touch. You might even notice oozing or even small whitish pus bumps.
Risk Factors
Intertrigo is more common in areas of your body that are dark, damp and don’t get a lot of air circulation. Friction (skin rubbing against skin—like on the areas under your breasts) is also a common cause of intertrigo. That is why we see it occurring more on your body’s folds. Intertrigo is more prevalent when it’s hot and humid outside, and some people will battle intertrigo whenever the weather starts to get hot.
Other Risk Factors
- Obesity
- Excessive sweating
- Poor hygiene
- Decreased immunity (like with HIV or people getting treatment for cancer)
- Diabetes
Diabetes and Intertrigo
Diabetes can be a risk factor for intertrigo. Unfortunately, some groups, like African Americans, can suffer disproportionately from diabetes and the problems associated with it. Skin changes are often the first clue to a bigger internal problem like diabetes.
If you keep getting rashes on your skin like intertrigo, it is important to see your doctor and make sure that your blood sugars are where they should be!
Intertrigo and Infection
People with intertrigo often have an infection, with yeast or bacteria on the intertrigo areas. People with diabetes are more prone to these types of infections. If not treated, these infections can lead to serious skin problems and can even spread inside of your body.
Treatment
If you’ve got intertrigo and have a rash in your skin folds, definitely see a dermatologist. Your doctor will talk to you about methods for keeping your skin cool and dry, and keeping the air circulating well around your skin.
Your doctor may recommend:
- Loose fitting breathable clothing
- Drying your skin with a blow dryer on a cool setting after you bathe
- Weight loss
- If you’re diabetic, better control of your sugars
- Barrier creams to sooth the skin
- Antibacterials or antifungal medications for any infection
- Topical steroid creams to calm the inflammation, itch and redness
Image credit: dermatlas.org
