How would you describe intertriginous dermatitis?
Daniel Johnson
Published Mar 13, 2026
How would you describe intertriginous dermatitis?
Intertrigo (intertriginous dermatitis) is an inflammatory condition of skin folds, induced or aggravated by heat, moisture, maceration, friction, and lack of air circulation. Intertrigo frequently is worsened by infection, which most commonly is with Candida. Bacterial, viral or, other fungal infection may also occur.
How do you treat irritated skin folds?
Uncomplicated, uninfected intertrigo can be treated with barrier ointments, such as petrolatum (such as Vaseline) and zinc oxide (such as Desitin). Applying cotton compresses saturated with a drying solution such as Burow’s solution to the skin folds for 20 to 30 minutes several times a day can also help the rash heal.
What are the intertriginous areas?
Intertriginous skin, also known as skin folds, are sites in which opposing skin surfaces come into contact while at rest, resulting in chronic skin occlusion. The primary intertriginous skin areas include the groin folds, axillae, and gluteal cleft.
What is intertriginous infection?
Intertrigo is a common and treatable skin condition that can lead to an infection. It often happens in skin folds where your skin rubs together. The friction causes inflammation that looks like a red, bumpy rash.
What causes Intertriginous dermatitis?
What does mild intertrigo look like?
Intertrigo looks like a red, raw rash on the skin. It may feel sore or itchy, and it can sometimes ooze. It can develop in any fold of the skin.
Is hydrocortisone cream good for intertrigo?
For persistent irritation, 0.5–1.0% hydrocortisone cream twice daily may help. Discontinue if you are no better after 2 weeks of use. Adding a topical antifungal to the hydrocortisone, such as clotrimazole cream, may help if yeast infection is suspected.
How do I get rid of a rash under my belly?
Mix equal amounts of clotrimazole 1% cream (or miconazole 1% cream) and hydrocortisone 1% cream and apply a thin layer to the affected area. People should do this twice a day until the rash is clear, which may take 3–8 weeks.
What does candidal intertrigo look like?
Candidal intertrigo classically presents as erythematous and macerated plaques with peripheral scaling. There are often associated superficial satellite papules or pustules [2,5,6].
What causes intertriginous dermatitis?
How do I know if my rash is bacterial or fungal?
Skin infections caused by viruses usually result in red welts or blisters that can be itchy and/or painful. Meanwhile, fungal infections usually present with a red, scaly and itchy rash with occasional pustules.
Can intertrigo heal itself?
Intertrigo is a common and treatable condition. It has a good prognosis in people who are otherwise healthy. If a secondary infection is involved, it’s important to treat the cause until the symptoms are gone. In some cases, intertrigo can become chronic.