Candidiasis intertrigo, also called intertriginous candidiasis, is an infection of the skin caused by the fungus of the genus Candida, which causes red, moist and cracked lesions. It usually appears in areas of skin folds, such as groins, armpits, between the fingers and under the breasts, as they are areas where there are accumulations of moisture from sweat and dirt, being more frequent in obese people or with poor hygiene.
It is often difficult to differentiate this infection from a simple rash on the skin, caused by its friction in areas of moisture, so, in the presence of symptoms that indicate this change, it is important to consult with the dermatologist, for evaluation and indication of treatment., with corticosteroid ointments, such as Dexamethasone, and antifungals, such as Miconazole or Clotrimazole, for example.
This fungal infection happens more easily due to:
- Accumulation of sweat and dirt in the folds of the skin, usually under the breasts, armpits and groins, especially in obese people; Wearing tight shoes for a long time that remain damp, a situation known as chilblains; Use of tight clothes, or with synthetic materials, such as nylon and polyester, which rub against the skin; Allergic dermatitis, caused by the use of cosmetics that cause allergy; Erythema or dermatitis in a diaper, which is a diaper rash caused by contact of the baby's skin with heat, moisture or accumulation of urine and feces, when he stays in the same diaper for a long time; Pregnant women, due to hormonal changes, which can facilitate the proliferation of fungi; Diabetics without adequate control, because the increased blood glucose facilitates infections by funds, in addition to hindering the healing of the skin; Use of antibiotics, which reduces the population of bacteria on the skin, and facilitates the spread of fungi.
People who lose a lot of weight, as after a bariatric, can present this problem more easily, because the excess of skin facilitates the friction and formation of diaper rash, therefore, in these cases, reparative plastic surgery may be indicated.
How the treatment is done
To treat candidiasic intertrigo, both for adults and children, the dermatologist can guide the use of medications, such as:
- Ointments with corticosteroids, such as Dexamethasone or Hydrocortisone, for example, for 5 to 7 days, which reduce inflammation and symptoms; Antifungals in ointment, for about 2 to 3 weeks. Some examples include:
- Ketoconazole; Miconazole; Clotrimazole; Oxiconazole; Nystatin.
Ointments for diaper rash, based on zinc oxide, such as Hipoglós or Bepantol, in addition to talc, can also be used throughout the treatment to reduce diaper rash, decrease skin friction and facilitate healing. Find out more details in Treatment for intertrigo.
Homemade options
Home treatment is indicated for all cases, as a complement to the treatment indicated by the dermatologist, and to prevent new infections. Some tips are:
- Use talcum powder in the folds to reduce moisture and skin friction; Wear light clothes that are not too tight; Prefer cotton clothes, especially socks and underwear, and do not wear clothes with synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester; Lose weight, avoiding excess folds; Prefer airy and spacious shoes, reducing the chances of chilblains; Place a thin piece of cotton or cloth, such as gauze, on the affected areas and with a lot of secretion, to decrease the humidity .
In addition, it is recommended to dry the folds well, especially between the toes, after bathing, avoiding moisture in the place.
How to identify candidiasic intertrigo
The main symptoms of this infection include:
- Redness of the affected region; Presence of rounded lesions close to the main lesion, called satellite lesions; Whitish layer around, or flaking areas; Presence of moisture and secretion; Cracks may form in the affected skin.
For the diagnosis of candidiasic intertrigo, the dermatologist will observe the appearance of the lesion or, if in doubt, it is possible to do the mycological examination, in which the yeast of the fungus is identified after a small scraping of the skin
