Intertrigo, commonly called “skin fold dermatitis”, refers to a type of inflammatory rash (dermatitis) of the superficial skin that occurs within a person's body folds.[1] These areas are more susceptible to irritation and subsequent infection due to factors that promote skin breakdown such as moisture, friction, and exposure to bodily secretions and excreta such as sweat, urine, or feces.[1] Areas of the body which are more likely to be affected by intertrigo include the inframammary fold, intergluteal cleft, armpits, and spaces between the fingers or toes. Skin affected by intertrigo is more prone to infection than intact skin.[1]
| Intertrigo | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Axillary intertrigo (bacterial) | |
| Pronunciation | |
| Specialty | Dermatology  |
The term "intertrigo" commonly refers to a secondary infection with bacteria (such as Corynebacterium minutissimum), fungi (such as Candida albicans), or viruses. A frequent manifestation is candidal intertrigo.
Intertrigo occurs more often in warm and humid conditions. Generally, intertrigo is more common in people with a weakened immune system including children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people.[1] The condition is also more common in people who experience urinary incontinence and decreased ability to move.[1]
Cause
editBacterial
editBacterial intertrigo can be caused by Streptococci and Corynebacterium minutissimum.[1][2]
Diagnosis
editIntertrigo can be diagnosed clinically by a medical professional after taking a thorough history and performing a detailed physical examination. Many other skin conditions can mimic intertrigo's appearance including erythrasma, inverse psoriasis, scabies, pyoderma, atopic dermatitis, candidiasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and fungal infections of the superficial skin like Tinea versicolor or Tinea corporis.[1]
Treatment
editGreases, oils, and barrier ointments [3] may help by protecting skin from moisture and from friction.[4]
Intertrigo is also a known symptom of vitamin B6 deficiency.[5]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e f g Kalra, MG; Higgins, KE; Kinney, BS (April 2014). "Intertrigo and secondary skin infections". American Family Physician. 89 (7): 569–73. PMID 24695603.
- ^ Tüzün, Y; Wolf, R; Engin, B; Keçici, AS; Kutlubay, Z (July–August 2015). "Bacterial infections of the folds (intertriginous areas)". Clinics in Dermatology (Review). 33 (4): 420–8. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2015.04.003. PMID 26051056.
- ^ Bodkhe RB, Shrestha SB, Unertl K, Fetzik J, McNulty AK. Comparing the physical performance of liquid barrier films. Skin Res Technol. 2021 Mar 24. doi: 10.1111/srt.13038. Online ahead of print. PMID 33760305
- ^ Alison Parnham, Dale Copson, Tanya Loban. Moisture-associated skin damage: causes and an overview of assessment, classification and management. Br J Nurs. 2020 Jun 25;29(12):S30-S37. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2020.29.12.S30. PMID 32579457
- ^ Tong, Y (2014). "Seizures caused by pyridoxine (vitamin B6) deficiency in adults: A case report and literature review". Intractable Rare Dis Res. 3 (2): 52–6. doi:10.5582/irdr.2014.01005. PMC 4204538. PMID 25343127.
External links
edit- A.O.C.D.: Intertrigo
- eMedicine: Intertrigo (by Samuel Selden, M.D.)
- DERMAdoctor: Intertrigo (by Audrey Kunin, M.D.)