Maceration of the folds of the skin - Intertrigo

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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 common in people who are overweight and/or have diabetes.  

It generally appears in the folds where rubbing is frequent and sweat accumulates, such as the armpits, groin and submammary folds. 

It manifests with a reddening of the skin, which may be accompanied by intense itching.

Diagnosis is clinical, by questioning and physical examination. 

Treatment is based on reducing, or if possible eliminating, the triggering factor 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 if it is caused by fungi.

Bibliographic references
  1. 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.
  2. Intertrigo. Nobles T, Miller RA. 2022 Sep 19. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 30285384.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. J Tissue Viability. 2021 Feb;30(1):102-107. doi: 10.1016/j.jtv.2020.12.005. Epub 2020 Dec 29. PMID: 33431261.
  6. 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.
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Reddening of the inguinal fold(s)


    Reddening of the fold under the breasts


    Reddening of the axillary fold


    Itching sensation in the fold of your groin


    Itching sensation in the fold of your armpit(s)

Self-care

Over-the-counter antiperspirant agents containing 20% aluminium chloride.
Apply Burow's solution to the macerated area.
Maintain a dry skin: change clothes frequently after perspiring.
Lose weight if you are overweight or obese.