Merck Manual

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Intertrigo

By

Denise M. Aaron

, MD, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine

Reviewed/Revised Sep 2023
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Topic Resources

Intertrigo is skin maceration in intertriginous areas caused by moisture and/or infection. Diagnosis is typically by clinical appearance. Treatment includes drying agents and sometimes topical antibacterial or antifungal medications.

Intertrigo develops when friction and trapped moisture in intertriginous areas cause skin maceration and inflammation with formation of patches or plaques. Infection by bacteria and yeast is also common.

Typical locations are the inframammary, infrapannicular, interdigital, axillary, infragluteal, and genitocrural folds.

Diagnosis of Intertrigo

Treatment of Intertrigo

  • Drying agents

  • Sometimes topical antibacterial lotions or antifungal creams

If no bacteria or yeast are detected, drying measures and agents should be therapeutic. Effective options include over-the-counter antiperspirants containing 20% aluminum chloride and Burow solution compresses.

If bacteria or yeast are present, topical antibacterial lotions or antifungal creams are given in addition to drying agents (see table ).

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Drug Name Select Trade
Drysol, Hypercare, Xerac AC
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NOTE: This is the Professional Version. CONSUMERS: View Consumer Version
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