Many home remedy experts recommend using diaper rash cream to treat intertrigo. While the infections are not the same, they have similar symptoms. The best diaper rash creams contain zinc oxide
Zinc Oxide
This medication is used to treat and prevent diaper rash and other minor skin irritations.
Are diaper rash and intertrigo the same thing?
While the infections are not the same, they have similar symptoms. The best diaper rash creams contain zinc oxide or petroleum, which create a barrier that soothes pain and discomfort caused by intertrigo.
What is the best cream for intertrigo?
Barrier Creams and Ointments. Barrier creams and ointments, which are typically marketed to treat diaper rash, can reduce skin-to-skin friction with intertrigo. Petroleum-jelly-based ointments, in particular, help soothe and protect the skin.
How can I get rid of intertrigo on my face?
If the intertrigo is inflammatory only, without an infection, use over-the-counter creams to create a barrier between the skin folds. Creams or ointments with zinc oxide or petrolatum can be useful. There are also anti-chafing balms that come in stick form.
How do I choose the Best Diaper Rash creams?
The best diaper rash creams contain zinc oxide or petroleum, which create a barrier that soothes pain and discomfort caused by intertrigo. If the infection is in an area where the skin frequently rubs together, such as the knee or armpit, diaper rash cream can help to moisturize the skin and prevent further irritation.

Does diaper rash cream help with intertrigo?
Other things you can do to treat uninfected intertrigo include: Use skin barrier creams or anti-chafing gels: Creams or ointments with zinc oxide and/or petrolatum can help reduce friction between your affected skin by creating a barrier.
Can I use Desitin for intertrigo?
Uncomplicated, uninfected intertrigo can be treated with barrier ointments, such as petrolatum (such as Vaseline) and zinc oxide (such as Desitin). Applying cotton compresses saturated with a drying solution such as Burow's solution to the skin folds for 20 to 30 minutes several times a day can also help the rash heal.
Is intertrigo the same as diaper rash?
Intertrigo is inflammation of skinfolds caused by skin-on-skin friction. It is a common skin condition affecting opposing cutaneous or muco-cutaneous surfaces. Intertrigo may present as diaper rash in children. The condition appears in natural and obesity-created body folds.
What cream can I use for intertrigo?
Topical antifungals used for intertrigo are nystatin and azole drugs, including miconazole, ketoconazole, or clotrimazole. You usually use the cream twice a day for two to four weeks . If your rash is very itchy, the doctor may also prescribe an antifungal combined with a low-dose corticosteroid.
Can you use Butt Paste on intertrigo?
Commercially available barrier pastes sold for diaper dermatitis (eg, Desitin or even better, a 40% zinc oxide paste with few other ingredients like Boudreaux's Butt Paste ) can be helpful.
Is intertrigo caused by poor hygiene?
Areas of moist skin rubbing together cause intertrigo. The warm, damp environment makes the skin conducive to irritation and the growth of yeast and bacteria, which can lead to an infection.
Is baby powder good for intertrigo?
Dry skin folds and other areas that trap moisture, such as armpits, groin, and under your breasts. Use plain baby powder to keep the area dry. Clean in-between showers. Place a barely damp warm washcloth in the affected folds for 20 minutes.
Is Vaseline good for intertrigo?
Intertrigo usually clears up if the affected areas are kept as clean and dry as possible. Try wearing loose clothing and reducing skin-to-skin friction in affected areas. Applying an ointment (Vaseline, A+D, others) to the skin can help.
What happens if intertrigo goes untreated?
The onset of intertrigo can happen suddenly or become a chronic and recurrent condition. If left untreated, the condition tends to worsen significantly, and may result in secondary infections. The inflamed skin may eventually become raw, moist, and macerated. The skin may peel, wear off, and develop cracks.
Why do I keep getting intertrigo?
What causes intertrigo? Skin folds sitting together and rubbing together causes intertrigo. This skin-on-skin friction creates a warm, moist environment. This environment invites an overgrowth of yeast, fungus, and bacteria.
Can adults use diaper rash cream yeast infection?
In most cases, you can treat a mild adult diaper rash at home. One of the most effective treatments is an OTC zinc oxide diaper cream. Examples of adult diaper creams include: Balmex Adult Care Rash Cream.
How do you keep intertrigo dry?
To dry the skin fold and keep it dry, try these home remedies: Place an absorbent dressing (such as a telfa pad, menstrual pad, or gauze) against the rash and changing it regularly. Use a fan or blow dryer on the cool setting to air out the skin fold. Use a soft towel to gently dry the area several times a day.
Can you put Desitin on a yeast infection?
Over-the-counter home remedies are available, to treat yeast infections, for example, Desitin, A+D ointment, Triple Paste, and Vaseline for both prevention and treatment. Check with the child's doctor before using any product on infants, babies, toddlers, and children for yeast infections and diaper rash.
Can adults use Desitin for rash?
DESITIN® Multipurpose Healing Ointment has many uses for infants, kids, and adults. It instantly relieves irritated skin and prevents and treats diaper rash.
Can I use Desitin for vaginitis?
Apply a thin layer of ointment (Vaseline®, Desitin® or Zincofax®) to the vulva 2-3 times a day.
Can adults use diaper rash cream yeast infection?
In most cases, you can treat a mild adult diaper rash at home. One of the most effective treatments is an OTC zinc oxide diaper cream. Examples of adult diaper creams include: Balmex Adult Care Rash Cream.
What is intertrigo in skin?
The definition of intertrigo is an irritation of the skin that occurs anywhere on the body where there are folds of skin that rub together. These folds create warm, most pockets where sweat can be trapped and cause the skin to become inflamed.
Why does intertrigo occur in summer?
Because heat is a factor in the development of intertrigo, the condition is more likely to occur during the warm summer months. It can also occur when an individual wears tight shoes and socks, an ill fitting bra or if a child is left in wet diapers for a length of time. All of these produce restrictive conditions that don’t allow the skin to get enough air. If the skin can’t dry off naturally, then continued friction will cause irritation.
Where are intertrigos most common?
In fact, the area under the breasts is one of the most common spots for intertrigos to develop. Obese individuals can also develop the irritation in less obvious locations since they tend to have many more folds and flaps of skin than most people.
Can you have intertrigo without knowing?
You may have experienced intertrigo without even being aware of it. That’s because most people don’t know the clinical name for this very common form of skin irritation. Anybody who has ever had a baby or taken care of a baby would know it as diaper rash.
Is intertrigo rash serious?
Nothing is more uncomfortable than developing a nasty rash in a very personal area, but the important thing to remember about intertrigo is that it is not serious and can be cleared up quite easily. So don’t panic the next time you spot a rash; just breathe easy and take the necessary steps to make it fade away quickly. If topical applications don’t seem to be working it’s always a good idea to have a dermatologist take a look to make sure it isn’t something more serious.
What is the best cream for intertrigo?
Diaper Rash Cream. Many home remedy experts recommend using diaper rash cream to treat intertrigo. While the infections are not the same, they have similar symptoms. The best diaper rash creams contain zinc oxide or petroleum, which create a barrier that soothes pain and discomfort caused by intertrigo.
How to treat intertrigo?
The most important part of intertrigo treatment is keeping the area dry. This can be difficult since the infection usually occurs as a result of naturally-trapped moisture between skin folds. Try to avoid sitting or lying positions that encourage this build-up, keeping the area open and aired out whenever possible instead. After bathing or showering, be sure to dry off before getting dressed completely. Rubbing the infected area with a towel may make symptoms worse, so take care to pat it dry gently. Use moisture-wicking fabric or keep the area uncovered, reducing the risk of moisture build-up that will exacerbate the condition.
What is Intertrigo 2021?
Advertisement. Intertrigo is an infection that occurs in the skin folds of your body, resulting in inflammation and redness. Commonly affected areas include the elbows, knees, armpits, groin, and breasts, along with anywhere that skin folds have been allowed to form or areas in which moisture can ...
How long does it take for intertrigo to clear up?
If your intertrigo does not appear to be clearing up on its own after about a week, you should consult your physician. They may be able to prescribe certain kinds of medication, including both oral and topical prescriptions. Depending on the cause of your infection, they may prescribe either antibiotics or antifungal medications. If given topical ointments or creams, you should apply them as prescribed. If your doctor recommends an oral medication, be sure to take all of the pills prescribed, since not doing so may result in a reoccurrence of the infection, potentially one that is resistant to antibiotics.
Where to wear shoes for intertrigo?
Wear Open-Toed Shoes. Although intertrigo most commonly develops in large areas like the armpit, groin, or stomach, it is also possible to develop it on the foot, especially in between the toes. If you notice intertrigo in this area, you should make the switch from closed-toed shoes to open-toed shoes if possible.
Can you wear tight fitting clothes with intertrigo?
As much as possible, people with intertrigo should avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes. This especially includes clothes made of a material that traps sweat, like polyester and rayon, which tend to increase the risk of intertrigo. Instead, you should wear loose, cotton clothing that allows air to move freely.
Can you use steroid cream on intertrigo?
In place of antibiotics or antifungal medications, your doctor may suggest that you use steroid cream for your intertrigo. Many different things can cause Intertrigo, so treatment options vary. That why it is better to talk to your doctor before using steroid cream, even though it is available over the counter at most pharmacies. In some instances, steroid cream will not work and may even worsen your symptoms, so it is better to get treatment recommendations from your physician before trying it. If your doctor thinks this is a good option for your infection, be sure not to overapply the cream during treatment, since doing so can irritate the area further.
How to treat intertrigo?
The main way to treat intertrigo that hasn’t caused an infection is by keeping the affected area dry, clean and cool.
What causes intertrigo rash?
In many cases of intertrigo, damage to the skin allows bacteria and/or fungus normally present on the surface of your skin to overgrow. The warmth, trapped moisture and friction-induced skin damage create an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to grow and multiply. This overgrowth of bacteria and/or fungi triggers your immune system to respond, which results in secondary inflammation and a visible rash. In more severe cases, the bacterial and/or fungal overgrowth is significant enough to cause a secondary infection.
What is Intertrigo skin?
Intertrigo is a common skin condition. It’s most common in hot and humid environments and during the summer.
Why is intertrigo so difficult to diagnose?
Even though intertrigo is a common condition, it can be difficult to diagnose because it can look like other skin conditions that can affect skin folds. Your healthcare provider will ask you thorough questions about your history, focusing on any skin conditions you currently have or have had in the past. They’ll also ask you questions about medications you take, allergies and sensitivities you may have and if you’ve used certain kinds of topical ointments or soaps. They’ll then do a visual examination of your affected skin.
What does "uncomplicated intertrigo" mean?
Uncomplicated intertrigo: Uncomplicated intertrigo means your intertrigo has not caused an infection.
What is an acute intertrigo?
Acute intertrigo: If your intertrigo just recently appeared, it’s called acute intertrigo.
Where does intertrigo appear?
Intertrigo can appear in between any skin areas that are in close contact with each other, such as skin folds, and that are often moist.
What is the treatment for intertrigo?
Treatment of uncomplicated intertrigo primarily involves changing those environmental factors that have predisposed the patient to the condition. Areas of involvement are covered with a mild topical steroid like 1% hydrocortisone cream, which is available without a prescription, and then covered with zinc oxide paste or ointment ( Desitin ).
What is intertrigo in iStock?
What is intertrigo? Itching in the skin by iStock. Intertrigo is painful and itchy skin inflammation that occurs between skin folds , such as in the groin, buttocks, or between fat folds. Sometimes, bacteria can infect this irritated skin, worsening inflammation.
Drugs used to treat Intertrigo
The following list of medications are in some way related to, or used in the treatment of this condition.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
How to relieve itching from diaper rash?
Eczema - You can temporarily relieve itching by applying diaper rash cream to tender skin.
Does heat rash reduce redness?
Heat rash - It may reduce redness and discomfort from your heat rash similar to diaper rash treatment
Can you use diaper rash ointment for hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoid Discomfort - If you’re experiencing hemorrhoid discomfort, remember that you can use your little one’s diaper rash ointment to help heal the sensitive skin and relieve pain.
Can you use diaper cream on chapped lips?
Chapped skins and lips - Many diaper cream will work for chapped cheeks. You can use diaper cream as a lip balm in an emergency. Do not use one with zinc oxide as it has low toxicity and can cause a laxative effect
Does diaper cream help with rash?
The protective barrier in diaper cream that prevents diaper rash also helps in a mild rash and skin irritation
Is diaper rash cream toxic?
Do note that zinc oxide and the inactive ingredients in diaper rash cream are usually minimally toxic. Ingestion of a mouthful or less is expected to cause a mild laxative effect at worst. (Source: http://illinoispoisoncenter.org/)
How to treat intertrigo?
Gentle Cleansing. To prevent infection, skin affected by intertrigo must be kept clean. Because the skin is already damaged, a gentle skin cleanser -- such as you would use on your face -- is preferable to body soap. Wash the area with a soft cloth rather than a body sponge or bath puff.
What to use for diaper rash?
After you've made sure the affected area is clean and dry, she suggests applying a barrier cream of zinc oxide paste, such as a diaper rash ointment. This helps create a "seal" to block moisture from seeping in and causing irritation.
How to treat skin irritation?
The first step when dealing with any type of skin irritation is to keep the area as clean and dry as possible, Dr. Marmon tells LIVESTRONG.com. She recommends first cleaning any affected areas with water and using a gentle soap like Cetaphil Pro Restoraderm Soothing Wash ($15.89, Amazon.com ).
What is intertrigo skin?
Intertrigo is an inflammatory skin condition that develops when trapped moisture and friction in large skin folds leads to chafing . It occurs most often in people who are overweight, and commonly develops in the thigh crease, under the breasts, in the armpits, between the buttocks and in skin folds ...
What is the best way to treat intertrigo?
Absorbent fabric or pads inserted into belly skin folds absorb perspiration and keep the area affected by intertrigo dry, which supports healing. Options include strips of soft cotton or linen, sterile dressings called ABD pads, or a commercial fabric impregnated with silver to reduce the risk of infection (InterDry).
Where is Heather's intertrigo?
She holds a bachelor's degree in English from TCNJ. Intertrigo commonly develops in the fold on the underside of the belly. Intertrigo is an inflammatory skin condition that develops when trapped moisture and friction in large skin folds leads ...
Can intertrigo cause sores?
Intertrigo can be uncomfortable, red and itchy, and it can lead to other skin issues, like sores. So if you're looking to treat intertrigo at home, here's what dermatologists recommend.
