Intertrigo

Intertrigo is a common inflammatory skin condition that affects areas where skin surfaces touch and rub against each other – e.g. armpits, groin, under the breasts, between the toes, in the gluteal fold. It manifests with redness, burning, itching, maceration and sometimes an unpleasant odor. The condition can be complicated by secondary infections – most often with fungi or bacteria.

Causes and risk factors
- Moisture, sweat and heat in skin folds
- Overweight and obesity
- Poor ventilation or tight clothing
- Diabetes and immunosuppression
- Prolonged lying down
- Poor personal hygiene
- Increased sweating (hyperhidrosis)

Clinical picture
- Redness and inflammation in the affected folds
- Wetting, maceration, unpleasant odor
- Itching, burning, discomfort
- Sometimes – formation of fissures, erosions or plaques
- In case of secondary infection: presence of plaques with edge scales (fungal infection), yellowish crusts (bacteria)

Diagnosis
- Usually placed clinically
- If candidiasis is suspected - mycological examination
- Bacterial culture if suppuration is present
- Differential diagnosis: erythrasma, seborrheic dermatitis, inverse psoriasis, contact allergy

Treatment
**General measures:**
- Maintaining dry skin in the folds
- Wearing loose, cotton clothes
- Drying with soft towels, using anti-humidity powders
- Weight loss if needed

**Local therapy:**
- Barrier and anti-inflammatory creams (zinc oxide, dexpanthenol)
- For fungal infection: topical antifungals (clotrimazole, miconazole, econazole)
- For bacterial infection: topical antibiotics (mupirocin, fusidic acid)
- Short course of weak corticosteroids for severe inflammation (with caution)

Intertrigo is a common and treatable condition. Early recognition and proper care of the skin in the folds prevent complications and recurrences. In more persistent cases, consultation with a dermatologist is important for an accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment.