Intertrigo

Caused by the macerating effect of heat, moisture, friction

Especially likely to occur in obese persons and in humid climates

Symptoms are itching, stinging, burning

Body folds develop fissures, erythema, maceration, and superficial denudation

Candidiasis may complicate intertrigo

KOH preparation and Wood light to rule out Candida, tinea, and erythrasma

Differential diagnosis

• Candidiasis

• Tinea cruris (jock itch)

• Psoriasis of body folds ("inverse psoriasis")

• Erythrasma

• Cellulitis

• Seborrheic dermatitis

• Tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor; rarely)

• Scratching resulting from pediculosis (lice)

• Contact dermatitis

Maintain hygiene in the area, and keep it dry

Compresses may be useful in acute cases

Hydrocortisone 1% and an imidazole cream or nystatin cream are effective

Recurrences are common