Intertrigo: Why Your Skin Fold Is Inflamed & What to Do Next

If you've noticed red, irritated skin in a body fold — such as the groin, under the breasts, between the buttocks, or under the belly — you may be dealing with intertrigo.

Intertrigo is common, uncomfortable, and often treatable. But when ignored, it can worsen or become infected. Understanding what it is, why it happens, and what steps to take next can help you feel better quickly and prevent it from returning.

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What Is Intertrigo?

Intertrigo is inflammation that occurs where two areas of skin rub together. These areas are typically warm, moist, and prone to friction — the perfect environment for irritation.

Common locations include:

• Groin and inner thighs
• Under the breasts
• Armpits
• Between abdominal folds
• Between the buttocks
• Between toes
• Neck folds (especially in infants or people with obesity)

The combination of friction, moisture, and heat breaks down the skin barrier. Once the skin is damaged, bacteria or fungi (like yeast) can grow more easily, making symptoms worse.

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What Does Intertrigo Look and Feel Like?

Symptoms can range from mild to uncomfortable:

• Red or reddish-brown rash
• Shiny, smooth, or raw-looking skin
• Itching or burning
• Tenderness or soreness
• Cracked or weeping skin
• Unpleasant odor (if infection develops)

In lighter skin tones, intertrigo often appears bright red. In darker skin tones, it may look dark red, purple, brown, or grayish.

If a yeast infection (Candida) develops on top of intertrigo, you may notice:

• Small red or white bumps around the edges
• Satellite lesions (small spots near the main rash)
• Increased itching or burning

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What Causes Intertrigo?

Intertrigo is not caused by poor hygiene. It happens when skin surfaces are repeatedly exposed to:

1. Moisture

• Sweat
• Humidity
• Trapped water after bathing
• Urine leakage (in some cases)

2. Friction

• Skin rubbing against skin
• Tight clothing
• Repetitive movement

3. Heat

Warm areas encourage bacterial and fungal growth.

Risk Factors for Intertrigo

You're more likely to develop intertrigo if you:

• Have overweight or obesity
• Have diabetes
• Sweat heavily
• Live in a hot, humid climate
• Wear tight or non-breathable clothing
• Have limited mobility
• Are an infant (diaper area is a common site)

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Is Intertrigo Dangerous?

Most cases of intertrigo are not dangerous, but they can become complicated if untreated.

Potential complications include:

• Secondary fungal infection (Candida)
• Bacterial infection
• Skin breakdown or open sores
• Cellulitis (a deeper skin infection, which requires medical care)

If you notice spreading redness, swelling, fever, increasing pain, or pus, those are signs to seek medical attention promptly.

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How Is Intertrigo Diagnosed?

In most cases, a healthcare provider can diagnose intertrigo simply by examining your skin.

Sometimes they may:

• Take a skin swab
• Do a fungal scraping test
• Check blood sugar levels (if diabetes is suspected)

If your rash is affecting the groin area, using a free AI-powered symptom checker for Groin area redness can help you identify what might be causing your symptoms and determine whether you need to see a doctor right away.

However, online tools are not a replacement for a medical evaluation — especially if symptoms are worsening.

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How to Treat Intertrigo

Treatment depends on whether infection is present. The main goals are to:

1. Reduce moisture
2. Reduce friction
3. Treat any infection

Step 1: Keep the Area Dry

• Gently wash with mild soap and water
• Pat dry (don't rub)
• Use a hair dryer on a cool setting if needed
• Avoid staying in sweaty clothes

Step 2: Reduce Friction

• Wear loose, breathable clothing (cotton is ideal)
• Avoid tight underwear or shapewear
• Use moisture-wicking fabrics during exercise

Step 3: Protect the Skin Barrier

Barrier creams can help reduce irritation:

• Zinc oxide ointment
• Petroleum jelly
• Anti-chafing balms

These create a protective layer between skin surfaces.

Step 4: Treat Infection (If Present)

If a fungal infection is involved, your doctor may recommend:

• Topical antifungal creams (like clotrimazole or miconazole)
• In more severe cases, oral antifungal medication

If bacteria are involved:

• Topical antibiotics
• Occasionally oral antibiotics

Avoid using strong steroid creams unless prescribed. While they can reduce redness temporarily, they may worsen fungal infections if used improperly.

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When Should You See a Doctor?

Mild intertrigo often improves within a few days to a week with home care.

However, you should speak to a doctor if:

• The rash does not improve after 7–10 days
• It keeps coming back
• There is significant pain
• You see pus or drainage
• The redness is spreading
• You develop fever or chills
• You have diabetes and the rash worsens

Skin infections can occasionally become serious, particularly in people with weakened immune systems or uncontrolled diabetes. Early treatment helps prevent complications.

If symptoms feel severe or rapidly worsening, do not delay medical care.

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How to Prevent Intertrigo from Coming Back

Prevention focuses on controlling moisture and friction.

Daily Prevention Tips

• Shower after sweating
• Dry thoroughly, especially in folds
• Use absorbent powders if recommended by your doctor
• Wear breathable fabrics
• Change out of wet clothing quickly
• Maintain a healthy weight if possible
• Manage blood sugar if you have diabetes

For people who exercise regularly:

• Apply anti-chafing balm before activity
• Shower promptly afterward
• Rotate athletic gear

For infants:

• Change diapers frequently
• Allow diaper-free time when possible
• Use barrier creams as needed

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Conditions That Can Look Like Intertrigo

Not every rash in a skin fold is intertrigo. Other conditions include:

• Psoriasis (inverse psoriasis often appears in folds)
• Contact dermatitis (allergic reaction)
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Tinea cruris (jock itch)
• Hidradenitis suppurativa

Because treatment varies, persistent or unclear rashes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

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The Bottom Line

Intertrigo is a common inflammatory skin condition that occurs in warm, moist skin folds. It's usually caused by friction and trapped moisture and may become infected if untreated.

The good news:
Most cases improve with simple steps like keeping the area dry, reducing friction, and using barrier protection.

The important part:
If symptoms persist, worsen, or show signs of infection, speak to a doctor. While intertrigo itself is usually not life-threatening, untreated skin infections can become serious — especially in people with diabetes or weakened immune systems.

If you're experiencing redness in the groin and want to better understand what might be causing it before your appointment, try this free Groin area redness symptom checker to get personalized insights based on your specific symptoms.

Your skin is your body's largest organ. When it becomes inflamed, it's a sign that something needs attention — not panic, but proper care.