Skin and Hair Disorders
Question #7405
32 days ago
67

Intertrigo Treatment - #7405

Anonymously

I’ve been dealing with some really uncomfortable skin irritation in the folds of my body, mostly under my breasts and around my thighs. This started a few months ago and has gradually been getting worse. The skin in these areas gets really red and sore, and I sometimes notice a bad odor or a burning sensation when I move or sweat. It gets especially bad during the summer, when the heat and humidity seem to make things worse. I’m 35 years old, and I’ve always had a bit of sensitivity in my skin, but this seems different. It feels like it’s more than just a regular rash. I’ve tried using some over-the-counter creams and powders, but they don’t seem to make a lasting difference. I looked it up online and found out that this might be something called intertrigo. I was wondering if anyone else has dealt with this before and what worked for them in terms of intertrigo treatment. When I did some research, I learned that intertrigo is a skin condition caused by moisture and friction in the skin folds. I think that’s exactly what’s happening to me, but I’m not sure how to treat it properly. I know intertrigo treatment usually involves keeping the area dry, and I’ve tried using baby powder to absorb moisture, but that doesn’t seem to completely clear it up. The redness doesn’t go away entirely, and sometimes, it even gets worse. I’ve also tried using some antifungal creams, as I read that intertrigo can be caused by a fungal infection, but even that doesn’t seem to make a significant difference. The area under my breasts and between my thighs still feels sore and irritated, especially after I exercise or go outside in hot weather. I’ve been trying to be more mindful of keeping the area dry by wearing loose clothing and switching to cotton fabric, which seems to help a little, but I still feel discomfort. I’m starting to wonder if I need a stronger treatment for intertrigo. I’ve read that some people need prescription creams or even oral medication to help clear it up, but I’m not sure if that’s necessary in my case. Could there be other factors at play here that I should be considering, like an allergy or a different kind of infection? I’ve also heard that in more severe cases, doctors may recommend something like steroid creams or antibiotics, but I’m worried about using something too strong without proper guidance. I really want to know if anyone else has had a similar experience and what kind of intertrigo treatment worked for them. Has anyone used any specific creams, ointments, or even home remedies that have been effective in getting rid of the irritation for good? I’m open to suggestions, but I just want to make sure that whatever treatment I try won’t make things worse. What is the best course of action for someone with this issue? And is it possible to prevent this from coming back once it clears up?

Intertrigo
Intertrigo treatment
Skin irritation
Moisture-related rash
Treatment for intertrigo
Fungal skin infection
Skin care
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Doctors’ responses

Dr. Evgeny Arsentev
I am a highly qualified medical professional with over 15 years of experience in General Medicine. My expertise spans diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, providing evidence-based care, and mentoring junior doctors. I am dedicated to ensuring patient well-being through a combination of clinical skills and compassionate care.
29 days ago
Based on what you've described, it sounds like you may be dealing with intertrigo, which occurs when moisture and friction in skin folds cause irritation. It’s common in areas like under the breasts or thighs, especially in hot weather, and can sometimes become infected with bacteria or fungi. You’ve made great efforts to manage it, but it seems like the irritation is persisting despite over-the-counter creams and powders. This could be because the condition is more severe or complicated by an infection, such as a fungal or bacterial one, that requires targeted treatment. In some cases, topical antifungal or antibacterial creams prescribed by your doctor may help, especially if there’s an infection present. In terms of next steps, I would recommend visiting your doctor to confirm if an infection is contributing to the issue. They may suggest a stronger antifungal cream or other medications if necessary. It's also worth asking about topical steroids, but they should be used cautiously, as they can thin the skin over time. To prevent it from recurring, keeping the affected areas dry is key. You might try using moisture-wicking fabrics, applying an antifungal powder or cream regularly, and avoiding tight clothing. Keeping the skin folds clean and dry after sweating can help too.
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