Medical Edge Newspaper Column

Intertrigo

Oct. 17, 2005
DEAR MAYO CLINIC:
I have had a bad rash on my groin for about six years. A biopsy showed it's intertrigo. I have seen several doctors, and no one seems to know of a cure. I've tried over 30 remedies and nothing has helped. Is there no help for this dreadful thing? -- Janesville, Wis.

ANSWER:
I am sorry to hear you have had this rash for so long. A groin rash due to intertrigo usually responds well to simple treatment. It's surprising yours has persisted even though you've seen multiple doctors and received so many treatments.

Intertrigo is a common skin infection and inflammation that results when two surfaces of skin rub against each other in a warm, moist atmosphere. The chafing traps moisture between the surfaces, causing the skin to become red, itchy and sore. The excess moisture causes tiny breaks in the skin and encourages the growth of fungi and bacteria.

Intertrigo most commonly occurs underneath breasts, in the groin area, underneath the armpits, in the space between the toes and underneath abdominal skin folds of people who are overweight.

Intertrigo is unlikely to go away by itself. The key to effective treatment is to get rid of the infection and to keep the affected area clean and dry. Here are several treatments commonly prescribed for intertrigo:

• Antifungal or antibacterial creams: These creams help destroy the germs infecting the skin.
• Vinegar soaks: Treatment with a very diluted vinegar solution helps kill the germs that cause fungal infections and dry out the affected skin.
• Mild hydrocortisone cream: This cream helps reduce inflammation of the skin.
• Drying agents: Use a fan or hair dryer on a cool setting to dry the skin completely before you put on clean, dry clothing. Then, use talcum powder or an absorbent powder to act as a buffer against wetness.

The bottom line is that, to effectively treat intertrigo and prevent it from coming back, the problem area must stay dry.

If you have already tried the measures outlined above without any relief, see your dermatologist. Sometimes more serious diseases can look like intertrigo. It might be time for another biopsy to confirm your diagnosis.

-- Mark Davis, M.D, Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.