Candidiasis of Skin Folds

Key Points
Skin condition affecting the skin folds of the body
May be caused by infection or pre-existing skin conditions
Symptoms predicated on the cause of the condition

Intertrigo refers to the development of a rash in the skin folds of the body, due to high skin temperature, moisture, and friction in the areas of effect. The symptoms it presents are often predicated on the cause of the condition. Anyone may be affected by Intertrigo, though overweight persons are at an increased risk for its development.

Intertrigo can be caused by many factors. Bacterial, fungal and yeast infections, as well as pre-existing skin conditions can lead to its development, in addition to blistering skin conditions and rare genetic diseases. Thrush, a yeast infection, presents as peeling which skin, which is moist and surrounded by pustules. Erythrasma infection consists of brown patches on the skin which are persistent. Athlete' foot affects the folds in the toe, which crack, peel and blister. Folliculitis, an infection of the hair follicle, presents as painful spots, red in color, forming on the follicle. Skin conditions such as psoriasis and several forms of dermatitis may also contribute to the development of Intertrigo.

Differential Diagnosis (Other conditions with similar appearance)
Acanthosis nigricans
Granuloma Gluteale Infantum
Acrodermatitis enteropathica
Granuloma inguinale (Donovanosis)
Bowen Disease
Impetigo
Candidiasis, Mucosal
Lymphogranuloma venereum
Cellulitis
Paget Disease, Mammary
Scabies
Dermatitis
Erythrasma
Syphilis
Familial Benign Pemphigus (Hailey-Hailey disease)

Diagnosis
Key Points
Diagnosis based on appearance of the affected area
Biopsies, scrapings and other tests may be performed to determine the causal agent and to rule out other conditions

Intertrigo is generally diagnosed based on the appearance of the affected area. Biopsies, scrapings, and other testing may be performed to determine the causal agent and to rule out other conditions.

Treatment
Treatment predicated on causal agent
*Goal of treatment is the elimination of the causal agent and alleviation of symptoms

Treatment of Intertrigo is predicated on the causal agent. Once this is determined, health care professionals may plot out the proper course of treatment. In cases due to sweating and heat, use of a mild antiperspirant is recommended. Bacterial infections will be treated with antiobiotics and fungal infections with anti-fungal medication. In cases related to pre-existing skin conditions, treatments include use of topical steroids and/or calcineurin inhibitors.