How do I know if intertrigo is infected?

Patients may present with itching, burning, and pain in the affected areas. 1,3 More prominent inflammation could be a sign of secondary infection. Well-demarcated red, weeping intertrigo may be mechanical or may be a sign of secondary GABHS infection.

What happens if intertrigo is left untreated?

Left untreated, intertrigo can result in severe skin breakdown, abscess formation, and cellulitis—an infection of the deep layers of skin.

How bad can intertrigo get?

Intertrigo can also affect the skin between the buttocks. The affected skin will often be very raw and may itch or ooze. In severe cases, intertrigo may cause a foul odor, and the skin may crack and bleed.

Can intertrigo get infected?

In severe cases, infected areas may ooze or even have a foul odor. In people with diabetes, infectious intertrigo may lead to cellulitis, a potentially serious infection that can cause red streaks, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

Is intertrigo a bacterial infection?

Intertrigo itself is not an infection. It’s an inflammatory skin condition. However, intertrigo often leads to a fungal or bacterial infection. This is known as a secondary infection.

Do I need to see a doctor for intertrigo?

If you have any symptoms of intertrigo, be sure to see your doctor. Your doctor can check for the presence of infection as well.

How long does it take to cure 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 intertrigo last for months?

Intertrigo can be acute (recent onset), relapsing (recurrent), or chronic (present for more than six weeks). The exact appearance and behaviour depend on the underlying cause(s). The skin affected by intertrigo is inflamed, reddened, and uncomfortable.

Can I put Neosporin on intertrigo?

Skin infection treatment Over-the-counter intertrigo treatments include antifungal powders (preferred over creams, which keep the skin fold moist), topical corticosteroid creams, and antibacterial ointments. Do not overuse antibacterial ointments, as this can cause a different type of rash to develop.

Can you use hydrogen peroxide on intertrigo?

One such technology uses hydrogen peroxide to manage moisture and minimize skin-on-skin friction, which can reduce the likelihood of intertrigo between skin folds.

Does vinegar help intertrigo?

Some people find relief with a vinegar treatment for intertrigo. Mix one tablespoon of vinegar into one quart of lukewarm water. Soak a soft cloth in this solution and apply to the rash twice daily for up to 10 minutes. Dry thoroughly.

What is the best cream to use for intertrigo?