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Intertrigo is skinfold changes caused by moisture and infection.
Intertrigo develops when friction and trapped moisture in intertriginous areas cause skin maceration with formation of patches or plaques; bacterial, yeast, and dermatophyte infection is common. Typical locations are the inframammary, infrapannicular, interdigital, axillary, infragluteal, and genitocrural folds.
Diagnosis is based on clinical appearance; potassium hydroxide wet mounts and cultures can guide treatment.
If no bacteria or yeast are detected, drying agents (powders such as talc rather than cornstarch, which can support fungal growth, Burow's solution) to decrease moisture should be therapeutic. If bacteria or yeasts are present, topical antibacterial lotions or antifungal creams are given in addition to drying agents.
Last full review/revision August 2008 by A. Damian Dhar, MD, JD
Content last modified August 2008
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