How to Treat Intertrigo

Co-authored by Lydia Shedlofsky, DO and Jennifer Mueller, JD

Last Updated: August 1, 2024 References

If you've noticed an itchy rash between the folds of your skin, it could be intertrigo. This rash is caused by a fungus or bacteria and can appear anywhere your skin rubs together and traps wetness.^{[1]
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Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.} While it can be uncomfortable and annoying, you can usually treat it at home using over-the-counter ointments or creams. If the rash is more widespread or becomes infected, your doctor may prescribe stronger remedies.^{[2]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Over-the-Counter Remedies

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1
Keep your skin dry and exposed to air if possible.^{[3]
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Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.} Depending on the location of your rash, it may not be possible for you to keep it exposed all the time. Loose fitting clothing that barely grazes the surface of your skin will help keep your skin cool.^{[4]
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- Keep dry washcloths or towels on hand so you can dry your skin when it becomes moist. It can also help to have a fan blowing on the area.
- Stick to light-weight clothing that will wick away moisture.^{[5]
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  Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.}
- If the rash is on your feet, set your shoes outside in the sun to dry whenever the weather is clear. Not only will this keep your shoes dry, it will also eliminate odor.
Tip: Blow your skin with a hair dryer set at its lowest setting 2 to 3 times a day to keep your skin dry.
2
Separate skin surfaces with gauze or cotton. Placing gauze or cotton in between the folds of skin where intertrigo has developed keeps the folds from rubbing together and creating friction that can worsen your rash. It also helps keep the skin dry.^{[6]
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- If you tape the gauze or cotton to your skin, use surgical tape and make sure you don't put any tape on the rash itself.
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3
Use talcum powder to dry the affected area once or twice a day. Powdering your skin will help it stay dry throughout the day, particularly if you won't have opportunities to dry it.^{[7]
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Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.} Talcum powder also works if the rash develops in a place where you normally sweat, such as your armpits or your feet.^{[8]
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- For example, you can find inexpensive medicated foot powder at a local drug store, or you can just use regular corn starch.
- Make sure your skin is clean and completely dry before you apply talcum powder.
- If your rash is on your feet, you can also put talcum powder or anti-fungal powder in your shoes to absorb the moisture.
4
Try a barrier ointment if the rash is not infected. Skin barrier protectors, such as zinc oxide ointment, can help protect your skin and keep the rash from spreading or getting worse. You can find these ointments at any grocery store or pharmacy, or buy them online.^{[9]
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- Many of these ointments are packaged and advertised for use for diaper rash, which is a type of intertrigo. They work for adults as well.
- Although it's messy, it's okay to use both zinc oxide ointment and cornstarch powder at the same time. Using them together will increase their effectiveness.
5
Use anti-fungal creams if the rash is infected. Rashes that are caused by a fungus and become infected may get better if you use an anti-fungal cream or spray. You can buy these online or at a drug or grocery store.^{[10]
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- If you think you may have an infection, you really need to visit your healthcare provider. Keep in mind that an infection is contagious, so you could be spreading the rash.
- Anti-fungal creams won't necessarily work for all rashes. It's worth trying, but if you have a reaction or the rash gets worse, stop using the cream immediately.
6
Cover the area with petroleum jelly before physical activity. Petroleum jelly serves as a barrier to keep moisture from the rash. It also keeps your skin from rubbing together and creating as much friction as it would otherwise.^{[11]
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- After physical activity, take a shower and wash all of the petroleum jelly off, then make sure you've dried your skin completely.
- Petroleum jelly works best for people who occasionally get a rash during sports. However, it might make the situation worse if you have recurring intertrigo.
7
Wash your skin thoroughly every morning and evening. Take a shower using a gentle, unscented soap that is safe for sensitive skin. Dry your skin completely after your shower, and avoid applying moisturizers or lotions that will lock moisture into your skin.^{[12]
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- Make sure your skin is completely dry before you put on clothes. Otherwise, that moisture will become trapped in the folds of your skin and can worsen your rash.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Getting Medical Assistance

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1
Make an appointment with your doctor to examine the rash. If your rash doesn't clear up within 3 to 8 weeks despite keeping your skin clean and dry and using over-the-counter remedies, call your doctor for additional treatment. You should also call your doctor if your rash worsens, spreads, or appears to be infected.^{[13]
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- Your doctor can typically diagnose intertrigo without any special tests. They will simply examine the characteristics of the rash and its location to determine if it's intertrigo or something else.
Tip: Bright red coloring, oozing, dry cracked skin, and an unpleasant odor are signs of infection.
2
Discuss possible risk factors with your doctor. Knowing risk factors that apply to you can help your doctor better diagnose your condition and recommend appropriate treatment. Intertrigo is more common in warm, moist climates. Additionally, it more often affects people who have extra weight on their body.^{[14]
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- If you have to stay in bed, for example, while pregnant or recovering from surgery or an injury, you may also be at risk of developing intertrigo. Medical devices such as splints or artificial limbs can also trap moisture against the skin, leading to intertrigo.
3
Have the area tested for infection. Depending on your doctor's observations, they may order a skin test or a skin scraping to test for a fungal infection. They may also look at your skin under a special lamp to rule out bacterial infection.^{[15]
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- In rare cases, your doctor will need to perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis. If you have a biopsy, you normally won't find out the results for a day or two.
4
Get a prescription-strength cream or ointment. If over-the-counter remedies have been ineffective to treat your rash, your doctor may prescribe a cream or ointment. Prescription-strength creams and ointments typically have a higher percentage of active ingredients than those available over the counter.^{[16]
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- You may be prescribed a steroid cream, which reduces inflammation and calms the skin. Immune modulating creams are also used.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Intertrigo

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Tight shoes and clothing can trap moisture in the folds of your skin. You're also more likely to sweat more in clothing that is tight or binding. If you wear a bra, make sure it has proper support.^{[17]
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2
Wear clothing made from natural materials, such as cotton. Materials such as cotton are more absorbent and will keep your skin drier. Synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, can trap moisture.^{[18]
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- In cold weather, wear light layers that you can easily remove if you get too hot. Avoid thick, heavy sweaters that may cause you to overheat and sweat.
3
Take steps to lose some weight if you are overweight. Intertrigo is common between areas of skin that trap moisture. That means losing weight can help you avoid recurrences of intertrigo. Talk to your doctor about what would be a healthy weight for you and how best to accomplish your weight loss goals.^{[19]
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- Losing weight is a long-term goal. Avoid crash diets that promise immediate results without requiring you to change your lifestyle. You'll typically gain back any weight you lost when the diet ends.
- Make an effort to do something active each day. Over time, you'll develop the habit of being more active and start losing weight.
4
Shower and dry off completely after physical activity. Whenever you exercise or engage in physical activity, take a shower to thoroughly clean your skin. Use an unscented soap designed for sensitive skin.^{[20]
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- If you have a rash, be sure to use your own towel and don't let anyone else have contact with it. Don't use the common towels at the gym, as this can contaminate that towel and the other towels in the gym laundry. Rashes can be very contagious.
- A fan or hair dryer may be more efficient than a towel and will ensure that your skin is completely dry.
Tip: If your hair dryer has a cool setting, use that to avoid warming your skin too much. Hot air could cause you to sweat and defeat the purpose.

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How can I prevent intertrigo?

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist
Dr. Lydia Shedlofsky is a Resident Dermatologist who joined Affiliated Dermatology in July of 2019 after completing a traditional rotating internship at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. After graduation, she moved to Beira, Mozambique, and worked as a research assistant and intern at a free clinic. She completed a Post-Baccalaureate program and subsequently earned a Master's Degree in Medical Education and a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO

Dermatologist

Expert Answer

I recommend wearing loose, light-weight clothing, using body powder, and avoiding excess heat.

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Tips

Avoid excess heat to reduce the amount of sweat you produce.^{[21]
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Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.}

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Warnings

It's best to get an accurate diagnosis from a doctor to make sure you have intertrigo. It's possible to have similar symptoms from a different cause, such as ringworm or bed bug, flea, or tick bites.

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See your doctor if your skin becomes very raw and itches, cracks, or oozes. Severe cases of intertrigo may require more aggressive medical treatment.^{[22]
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