The inflammation and maceration of the skin due to continuous rubbing in a frequently moist area. In many cases, the affected area becomes infected by bacteria or fungi. It is more frequent in people who are overweight and/or have diabetes.
It usually appears in the folds where rubbing is frequent and sweat accumulates, such as: armpits, groin and submammary folds.
It manifests with a reddening of the skin, which may be accompanied by intense itching.
Diagnosis is clinical, by clinical interview and physical examination.
Treatment is based on reducing, or if possible eliminating, the triggering cause with antiperspirants and reducing excess weight. If it is associated with an infection, antibiotics should be administered if it is a bacterial infection and antifungals in case fungi are the cause.
- The diagnosis, management and prevention of intertrigo in adults: a review. Romanelli M, Voegeli D, Colboc H, Bassetto F, Janowska A, Scarpa C, Meaume S. J Wound Care. 2023 Jul 2;32(7):411-420. doi: 10.12968/jowc.2023.32.7.411.
- Intertrigo. Nobles T, Miller RA. 2022 Sep 19. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 30285384.
- Intertrigo: causes, prevention and management. Voegeli D. Br J Nurs. 2020 Jun 25;29(12):S16-S22. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2020.29.12.S16. PMID: 32579453.
- Skin areas, clinical severity, duration and risk factors of intertrigo: A secondary data analysis. Everink IHJ, Kottner J, van Haastregt JCM, Halfens R, Schols JMGA.
- J Tissue Viability. 2021 Feb;30(1):102-107. doi: 10.1016/j.jtv.2020.12.005. Epub 2020 Dec 29. PMID: 33431261.
- Intertriginous eruption. Wolf R, Oumeish OY, Parish LC. Clin Dermatol. 2011 Mar-Apr;29(2):173-9. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2010.09.009. PMID: 21396557.
