The medical term for intertrigo isintertriginous dermatitis.
This can cause infection and make symptoms worse.
The rash extends just beyond where opposing skin folds overlap.
Waikato District Health Board / DermNet / CC BY-NC-ND
The rash can itch, burn, and sting.
In babies and adults with incontinence, intertrigo can show up as diaper rash.
In these cases, urine and feces can aggravate an existing rash and make healing difficult.
What Does Intertrigo Smell Like?
A long-standing or recurrent intertrigo rash can develop an unpleasant smell that is often described as musty.
The odor may be a sign that the rash has become infected with candida (yeast).
If your symptoms get worse, it could mean the area has becomeinfected with yeastor bacteria.
In that situation, crusting, erosions, and other complications can occur.
In severe cases, infected areas may ooze or even have a foul odor.
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What Causes Intertrigo?
Skin that is exposed to urine or feces is also more vulnerable to infection.
Poor hygieneor not showering or bathing regularly, especially after exercisealso increases your risk.
Burow’s solution is available without a prescription in many drugstores and supermarkets.
ForCandidaand other fungal infections, topical creams are used.
In some cases, oral anti-fungal drugs and antibiotics are necessary to cure the infection.
Intertrigo is prone to secondary infections, so prevention is key.
Topical treatments include petroleum jelly (Vaseline), zinc oxide (Desitin), and OTC anti-fungal creams.
A prescription steroid cream and/or oral anti-fungal drugs/antibiotics may also be necessary to successfully treat the condition.
Applying baby powder to intertrigo-prone areas will help keep them dry and prevent friction.
Apply baby powder to skin folds after showering and thoroughly drying off.
Infected intertrigo looks red, inflamed, and crusty.
The rash may have blisters that ooze clear fluids or pus.
There may be an unpleasant odor, itching, burning, and pain.
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Mount Sinai.Intertrigo.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Intertrigo.
Updated April 15, 2020.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Updated June 9, 2021.
