Intertrigo is an inflammation that manifests itself in various skin fold areas, such as the armpits, groin, under the breasts, abdominal folds, and the spaces between the fingers and toes. Although it does not cause serious complications, the condition is uncomfortable because it itches and can accumulate secretions and bad odor. Therefore, can affect self-esteem of the person and restrict their social contact, depending on the area affected.

See also: Contact dermatitis: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Causes of intertrigo

The main agent of intertrigo is a fungus of the candida genus, which is part of the human organism. However, some factors contribute to the proliferation of this microorganism:

• Obesity: The folds of the body facilitate friction, suffocation, and moisture on the skin.
• Excessive sweating: athletes are a risk group for intertrigo, since constant exercise results in greater body moisture.
• Seborrheic dermatitis: inflammation of the skin that causes redness, itching, and flaking in the facial area.
• Hailey-Hailey disease: clinically characterized by sagging blisters and erosions, in the skin fold regions, for example the armpit.
• Diabetes: The disease makes it difficult for the skin to heal and favors the problem.
• Wearing tight clothing: In addition, wearing closed shoes has the same impact on the skin.
• Other fungi and bacteria: Body heat and sweat are gateways to dermatological inflammation.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of intertrigo include:

• Itching in the folds of the skin accompanied by dampness.
• Redness in the region.
• Burning sensation.
• Bad odor, when caused by or associated with bacterial infection.
• Yellowish or whitish secretion that can form a layer that breaks off easily.
• Presence of rounded lesions near the main lesion (satellite lesions).
• Cracks may form on the affected skin.

What happens if intertrigo is not treated?

Although it is not a condition that generates other complications, intertrigo is very uncomfortable and can cause pain when walking, when making certain movements, and when wearing certain clothes. However, when it is itchy, the problem can irritate the individual and cause stress because of the situation. In addition, if lesions take time to heal, there is the possibility of spots or scars forming on the skin.affected area.

Treatment

At first, the treatment for intertrigo depends on the cause of the inflammation: "First of all, it is important to always keep the region dry, associated with the use of talc", clarifies Renato Pazzini, dermatologist, member of Brazilian Society of Dermatology Dermatologist Simone Neri adds that the treatment may involve antibiotic, antifungal and corticoid medications, for example:

• Dexamethasone;
• Hydrocortisone;
• Ketoconazole;
• Clotrimazole;
• Miconazole.

How to prevent intertrigo

Fortunately, it is possible to avoid the risks of developing intertrigo. At first glance, habits such as dry the whole body after bathing Wearing clothes made of cotton or breathable and comfortable fabrics or coming into contact with water or moisture helps in prevention. Finally, it is essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle that favors the integrity of the immune system, because the body's defenses keep possible problems like intertrigo at bay.

What is the difference between intertrigo and mycosis?

According to Pazzini, many times this type of inflammation can be confused with mycosis. However, mycosis has a fungal origin, and intertrigo has other causes, such as sweating and friction in the region, being more common in summer or in overweight people and athletes. Sometimes there is contamination by fungi, especially Candida, and by inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such asSeborrheic dermatitis and benign familial pemphigus, known as Hailey-Hailey disease.

Specialties that identify and treat intertrigo

Usually the dermatologist is the specialist most often called upon to evaluate and follow up on the treatment of intertrigo, but specialties such as general practice are also able to discover the problem.

Sources : Renato Pazzini, dermatologist from USP, Member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD) and Member of the Clinical Staff of Albert Einstein and Oswaldo Cruz Hospitals; Rosane Orofino Costa, dermatologist and coordinator of the Mycology Department of the SBD; and Simone Neri, dermatologist at Clínica Simone Neri and Member of the Dermatology Society (SBD).