Intertrigo is a skin problem caused by friction between one skin and another, such as friction that occurs in the inner thighs or in the skin folds, for example, causing redness, pain or itching.
In addition to the redness, there may be a proliferation of bacteria and fungi, mainly Candida species, since the area in which the lesion occurs usually sweat and dirt moisture accumulation, which can result in candidiastic intertrigo. Learn more about intertrigo caused by Candida .
Generally, intertrigo is more common in babies, but it can also occur in overweight children or adults or who often make repetitive movements, such as riding a bicycle or running.
Intertrigo is more common in places such as the groin, underarms or under the breasts, as they suffer more friction and are subject to greater amounts of heat and moisture. Thus, overweight people who do not perform hygiene correctly or who sweat excessively in those regions are more likely to have intertrigo.
Intertrigo has healing and can be treated at home, maintaining good hygiene of the affected area and applying creams indicated by a dermatologist.
How is the treatment done?
The treatment for intertrigo should be guided by a dermatologist and is usually initiated with the application of rash creams, such as Hipoglós or Bepantol, which help protect the skin against friction, facilitating healing.
In addition, it is also recommended to keep the affected region always clean and dry and to wear tight cotton clothing to allow the skin to breathe. In the case of intertrigo in obese people, it is still advised to lose weight to prevent the problem from arising again. Learn how treatment for intertrigo can be done.
How to identify
The diagnosis of intertrigo is made by the dermatologist through the evaluation of the lions and symptoms described by the person, and the dermatologist can indicate the biopsy of the skin or the examination of the Wood Lamp, in which the diagnosis for this disease is made according to the fluorescence pattern of the lesion. See how the dermatological examination is done.
Symptoms of intertrigo
The main symptom of intertrigo is the appearance of redness in the affected region. Other symptoms of intertrigo are:
- Skin wounds;
- Itching or pain in the affected region;
- Slight flaking in the affected area;
- Fetid smell.
The regions of the body where the intertrigo most often occurs are groin, armpits, below the breasts, inner thighs, buttocks, and in the intimate region. The person with symptoms of intertrigo should consult a dermatologist to diagnose the problem and initiate the appropriate treatment, avoiding that the situation aggravates and precludes some daily tasks, like walking, in the case of intertrigo in the groin, for example.
