There are many names to describe intertrigo such as acute intertrigo, chronic intertrigo, diaper intertrigo ... this depends on the location of the intertrigo and whether the intertrigo is infected or infected with fungus or not. Let's find out the types of skin intertrigo and how to treat them in the article below.
1. Is intertrigo a fungal infection?
Intertrigo itself is not an infection. It’s an inflammatory skin condition. However, intertrigo often leads to a fungal or bacterial infection. This is known as a secondary infection. Candida — a type of yeast, or fungus — is the most common cause of secondary infection related to intertrigo.
2. Are there different kinds of intertrigo?
There are a few names for intertrigo (also known as intertriginous dermatitis) depending on certain factors such as where it appears and if it’s caused an infection or not. Your healthcare provider may use one or more of these terms to describe your intertrigo:
- Acute intertrigo: If your intertrigo just recently appeared, it’s called acute intertrigo.
- Recurrent intertrigo: If you’ve had multiple cases of intertrigo over time, it’s called recurrent (relapsing) intertrigo.
- Chronic intertrigo: If your case of intertrigo has lasted six weeks or more, it’s called chronic intertrigo.
- Uncomplicated intertrigo: Uncomplicated intertrigo means your intertrigo has not caused an infection.
- Interdigital intertrigo: Intertrigo between your fingers or toes is called interdigital intertrigo.
- Candidal intertrigo: Candidal intertrigo happens when your intertrigo becomes infected by the yeast (fungus) Candida. Candida is the most common cause of intertrigo infections.
- Diaper rash: Also known as diaper dermatitis, diaper rash is a form of intertrigo.
3. Can intertrigo spread to other parts of my body?
You can have intertrigo in more than one place on your body at the same time, but intertrigo does not spread to other parts of your body. This is because a key contributing factor for intertrigo is friction from skin-to-skin rubbing, so only places on your body where your skin rubs together can have intertrigo.
If you get an infection from your intertrigo, the infection can spread to other parts of your body and can cause serious complications. It’s important to see your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you have signs of an infection.
4. How is intertrigo diagnosed?
Even though intertrigo is a common condition, it can be difficult to diagnose because it can look like other skin conditions that can affect skin folds. Your healthcare provider will ask you thorough questions about your history, focusing on any skin conditions you currently have or have had in the past. They’ll also ask you questions about medications you take, allergies and sensitivities you may have and if you’ve used certain kinds of topical ointments or soaps. They’ll then do a visual examination of your affected skin.
If your provider suspects you have an infection from your intertrigo, they may perform certain tests such as a skin scraping to see what kind of organism is causing the infection.
5. How is intertrigo treated?
The main way to treat intertrigo that hasn’t caused an infection is by keeping the affected area dry, clean and cool.
Ways you can keep your intertrigo dry, clean and cool at home include:
Dry yourself thoroughly with a clean towel after you take a shower. Dry the affected area by patting it with a towel, not rubbing it.
Use a fan or a hairdryer on the “cool” setting over the affected area multiple times a day.
Wear loose clothing and breathable fabrics, such as cotton.
Use a mild antiperspirant (deodorant) in your armpits or under your breasts to minimize sweating.
Use a powder drying agent, such as talcum powder, on your affected area. If you use an ointment for your intertrigo, do not use it and powder at the same time. They will create a tacky paste.
Other things you can do to treat uninfected intertrigo include:
Use skin barrier creams or anti-chafing gels: Creams or ointments with zinc oxide and/or petrolatum can help reduce friction between your affected skin by creating a barrier.
Use fiber skin barriers: Use materials such as clean gauze or cotton to separate the affected skin that is touching can help reduce friction.
Use a topical steroid cream: Your healthcare provider may recommend a topical steroid cream to help with inflammation. You can buy mild steroid creams at your local pharmacy without a prescription.
Use topical anti-fungal and/or anti-bacterial creams: Your healthcare provider may recommend a topical steroid cream to help combat fungal and bacterial overgrowth that contributes to inflammation. You can buy anti-fungal and anti-bacterial creams at your local pharmacy without a prescription.
Treatment for intertrigo that has caused an infection depends on what caused it. Your healthcare provider will need to find out what kind of bacteria or fungi have caused your infection in order to give you proper treatment.
Treatment for infected intertrigo can include:
Antifungal cream: If you have an infection that’s caused by a fungus, your healthcare provider may have you use a specific topical antifungal cream or ointment on the affected area.
Antibiotic cream: If you have an infection that’s caused by bacteria, your provider may have you use a specific topical antibacterial cream or ointment on the affected area.
Oral medication: Your provider may prescribe you one or more oral medications (pills) in order to treat your infection. These could include antibiotics or antifungal medications.