Overview

What is intertrigo?

Intertrigo is a common inflammatory skin condition that is caused by skin-to-skin friction (rubbing) that is intensified by heat and moisture. It usually looks like a reddish rash. Trapped moisture, which is usually due to sweating, causes the surfaces of your skin to stick together in your skin folds. The moisture increases the friction, which leads to skin damage and inflammation.

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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.

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. Candida — a type of yeast, or fungus — is the most common cause of secondary infection related to intertrigo.

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.

The most common places that intertrigo occurs include:

In the crease(s) of your neck.

In your armpits.

Beneath or between your breasts.

Between your belly folds.

Between your buttocks.

In your groin at your scrotum.

In your inner thighs.

Between your toes and fingers.

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Babies are especially at risk for intertrigo because their skin is delicate and they’re more likely to have moist skin from drooling or from wearing diapers. The most common places for babies to have intertrigo include:

There are a few names for intertrigo (also known as intertriginous dermatitis) depending on certain factors such as where it appears and if it’s caused an infection or not. Your healthcare provider may use one or more of these terms to describe your intertrigo:

Acute intertrigo: If your intertrigo just recently appeared, it’s called acute intertrigo.

Recurrent intertrigo: If you’ve had multiple cases of intertrigo over time, it’s called recurrent (relapsing) intertrigo.

Chronic intertrigo: If your case of intertrigo has lasted six weeks or more, it’s called chronic intertrigo.

Uncomplicated intertrigo: Uncomplicated intertrigo means your intertrigo has not caused an infection.

Interdigital intertrigo: Intertrigo between your fingers or toes is called interdigital intertrigo.

Candidal intertrigo: Candidal intertrigo happens when your intertrigo becomes infected by the yeast (fungus) Candida. Candida is the most common cause of intertrigo infections.

Diaper rash: Also known as diaper dermatitis, diaper rash is a form of intertrigo.

You can have intertrigo in more than one place on your body at the same time, but intertrigo does not spread to other parts of your body. This is because a key contributing factor for intertrigo is friction from skin-to-skin rubbing, so only places on your body where your skin rubs together can have intertrigo.

If you get an infection from your intertrigo, the infection can spread to other parts of your body and can cause serious complications. It’s important to see your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you have signs of an infection.

Anyone at any age can get intertrigo. Babies often get diaper rash (diaper dermatitis), which is a form of intertrigo. People who have obesity, diabetes and/or a weakened immune system due to underlying disease or medication are more likely to get intertrigo.

Intertrigo is a common skin condition. It’s most common in hot and humid environments and during the summer.