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IntertrigoL30.49
Synonym(s)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Intertrigo (intertriginous), from Latin inter - between; terere, tero, trivi - to rub, refers to a cumulative-toxic, intertriginous (toxic- not allergic) contact dermatitis, which is caused by the irritative milieu of skin areas lying next to each other. Especially in obese people, friction and accumulation of secretions in the contact zones of skin folds lying on top of each other, especially at high outdoor temperatures and sweating, lead to maceration and swelling of the skin. An unpleasant sweetish fetor indicates a bacterial or mycotic superinfection.
Other favoring factors are: permanently sweaty/soaked tight-fitting clothes, diabetes mellitus, general immune deficiency, incontinence, chronic bedriddenness, hormonal contraception or pregnancy.
EtiopathogenesisThis section has been translated automatically.
In acute intertrigo, the skin in the skin folds is severely reddened, sometimes erosive and weeping. This is accompanied by constant itching. If the condition persists for a longer period of time, the dermatitis becomes chronic with inflammatory thickening, coarse lamellar scaling and sometimes weeping skin. Risk of rhagade formation. Risk of bacterial (often gram-negative colonization) or mycotic (colonization by yeast fungi) superinfections.
ManifestationThis section has been translated automatically.
Frequently obese, easily sweating individuals.
LocalizationThis section has been translated automatically.
Submammary, axillae, groin, perianal region, diaper region, penis, vulva
Clinical featuresThis section has been translated automatically.
Painful, sharply demarcated and highly red erosions (over large areas) up to macerations, sometimes greasy scaling
In case of Candida: satellite foci
In case of contact allergic component: often also satellite formation
In case of superinfection: unpleasant sweetish fetor
Complication(s)This section has been translated automatically.
General therapyThis section has been translated automatically.
Weight reduction!
Avoidance of irritative co-factors, especially tight-fitting clothing (e.g. jeans).
Combating incontinence.
If necessary, plastic surgery procedures to remove excess skin aprons.
External therapyThis section has been translated automatically.
Drainage of the infected region by consistent insertion of linen cloths or gauze strips. Sitz baths or whipping with potassium permanganate solution (especially in cases of superinfection). Subsequent application of a 1% hydrocortisone cream, which can be supplemented by a 20-minute moist application (using an overlay soaked with physiological saline solution) in cases of severe oozing. If necessary in cases of bacterial superinfection, combination of topical steroids with topical antibiotics (e.g., Fucidine).
When the acute weeping condition subsides, transition to a zinc-containing application (e.g., 5% zinc oxide cream in Ungt. emulsif. aq.) or even to soft zinc paste.
In case of overlaying of intertrigo by yeast fungi, Candio-Hermal Plus Paste is recommended initially for a short time and Candio Hermal Soft Paste afterwards.
Prophylactically: Linola Breathable Protective Balm
Progression/forecastThis section has been translated automatically.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Arnold-Long M et al (2018) Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis and Intertriginous Dermatitis as Nurse-Sensitive Quality Indicators: A Delphi Study.J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs 45:221-226.