Intertrigo rash treatment: practical options

Intertrigo is irritation in a skin fold. Redness, soreness, itching, weeping or cracks may result from rubbing and dampness alone, but yeast or bacterial overgrowth can change the appearance and treatment. The affected site, skin condition, recurrence and any medicines you use help a clinician decide whether you need a protective barrier, an antifungal, an anti-inflammatory medicine or another approach.

Wash gently, rinse well and pat the fold completely dry. Wear breathable clothing, change damp garments and take breaks from activities that repeatedly rub the area. Keep towels and clothing clean, and avoid sharing them. Do not apply multiple medicated creams at once or use a strong steroid without guidance, since this can obscure infection or irritate fragile skin. If yeast is suspected, a clinician may suggest Topical Antifungal Treatment.

Contact a clinician when symptoms do not improve with careful drying, return often or interfere with sleep or movement. Get prompt advice for spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, blisters, severe pain, fever or feeling faint. Diabetes, reduced immunity or a history of difficult skin infections lowers the threshold for assessment.

What is causing my rash, and should it be tested? Which product should I apply, how often and for how long? What should I stop using if the skin becomes more sore?