To treat intertrigo, it is recommended to apply anti-inflammatory creams, with Dexamethasone, or creams for diaper rash, such as Hipoglós or Bepantol, which help to hydrate, heal and protect the skin against friction.
If there is a fungal infection as a cause of skin irritation, a situation called candidiasic intertrigo, it is also necessary to use antifungal ointments, such as ketoconazole or miconazole, guided by the dermatologist, for example.
Intertrigo is caused mainly by the combination of friction and skin moisture, which causes irritation, being very common in folds such as the nape, groin, armpits, under the breasts and between the fingers, it is important to keep the skin clean, refreshed and avoid tight clothes, to avoid new cases. Check out more about how to identify the intertrigo.
Medicines used
The use of remedies to treat intertrigo in any region, such as the axillary region, groin area, under the breasts, or between the fingers, for example, is recommended by the dermatologist, and includes:
- Ointments for diaper rash, such as zinc oxide, Bepantol or Hipoglós, for example, which moisturize, reduce skin friction and facilitate healing; Corticoid ointments, such as Dexamethasone or Hydrocortisone, for 5 to 7 days, which reduce inflammation, irritation, redness and itching of the site; Antifungals, such as Ketoconazole ointment, Clotrimazole, Miconazole, for 2 to 3 weeks, to eliminate the fungus that causes candidiasic intertrigo. In case of severe or extensive infections, it may be necessary to use medications per tablet, such as Ketoconazole or Fluconazole, for about 14 days, as indicated by the doctor. Making compresses with potassium permanganate solution, diluting 1 tablet in 1.5 liters, for 1 to 3 days can help decrease the secretion before the application of the ointments, in very red and secretive lesions.
To avoid this inflammation in people who tend to develop intertrigo, such as obese people, who sweat a lot or who wear clothes that cause friction easily on the skin, there is the option of using zinc oxide ointments with or without Nystatin, or talcum powder in the most affected areas, to reduce skin friction and moisture.
In addition, for people who have lost a lot of weight and who have excess skin, such as after bariatric surgery, reparative surgery is available, as the excessively flabby skin accumulates sweat and dirt, causing rashes and fungal infections. Know when this surgery is indicated and how to do it.
Home treatment options
The home treatment is done in conjunction with the treatment guided by the doctor, and it also serves to prevent new cases of intertrigo. Some options include:
- Prefer to wear light clothing, especially cotton, and that are not too tight, avoiding synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester; Lose weight, so that the folds are smaller and less irritated; Use talcum powder in the folds, before playing sports or situations in which there may be intense sweating; Put a piece of cotton between your toes when the intertrigo appears in this region, better known as chilblains, to avoid sweat and friction, in addition to prefer more airy and spacious shoes.
In addition, it is recommended to maintain good body hygiene, washing with soap and water, and drying well with the towel, to avoid moisture and proliferation of fungi. People with diabetes must keep the disease well controlled, as uncontrolled blood glucose facilitates fundus infections, in addition to hindering skin healing.
Baby Intertrigo Treatment
Intertrigo in babies is caused mainly by diaper erythema, which is a diaper rash caused by the baby's skin contact with heat, moisture or accumulation of urine and feces, when he stays in the same diaper for a long time.
The diagnosis is made by the pediatrician or dermatologist, after analyzing the lesion, which may indicate the use of ointments for diaper rash, based on zinc oxide, such as Hipoglós or Bepantol, for treatment. If there are signs of yeast infection, such as candida, the doctor may also recommend the use of ointments, such as Nystatin, Clotrimazole or Miconazole.
It is also recommended to change diapers frequently, before or after each meal and whenever the baby has a bowel movement, preventing urine or feces from being in contact with the skin for a long time. In addition, it is advisable to carry out the intimate hygiene of the baby with cotton and water, since the products of the wipes moistened by causing allergies on the skin. Learn more details on how to prevent and take care of baby's diaper rash.
