Intertrigo is an dermatological inflammation that is located in the skin’s folds. Its appearance is favoured by skin lesions, wearing tight clothing and diabetes. Poor hygiene and a hot and humid climate are also factors that favour the onset of this disease.
Intertrigo is a skin infection that is localized in the folds of the skin around the feet, armpits, groin and under the breasts. Rashes may also appear on the inner thighs. It can be of fungal origin, or be caused by candida and dermatophytes. It may also be caused by bacteria such as streptococci and staphylococci. The main factors conducive to intertrigo are sweating and maceration due to heat. Frequent swimming pool or sauna attendance facilitates the contamination due to the high level of humidity. Overweight individuals are also easily prone to intertrigo.
Intertrigo can be identified by the appearance of well-delineated pink or brown-coloured lesions on the skin. Scabs of pus start to form on the edges of lesions. The flow of pus causes itching or burning sensations. Macerated and softened lesions are usually painful. When the infection is caused by fungi, the patches are lined with a white collar. Athlete’s foot or toe web intertrigo is characterized by itching cracks. The various symptoms include abdominal rashes, peeling skin between the fingers or swelling of toenails.
The treatment of intertrigo is based on Hepar sulfuris 5 CH. To treat toe web intertrigo or athlete’s foot with red, humid and itchy skin, take Hydrocotyle 5 CH. If the skin lesions are caused by perspiration, administer Dulcamara 5 CH or Natrum Sulfuricum 5 CH. To treat intertrigo of fungal origin, the patient needs to be administered 3 granules of Mercurius 5 CH three times a day until the disease’s complete disappearance.
To treat oozing intertrigo that is located on the retroauricular fold, it is necessary to resort to a Graphites-based homoeopathic remedy. To eliminate intertrigo of infectious origin and of which the lesions gradually spread over the whole body, it is advisable to take 3 granules of Hepar sulfuris calcareum 5 CH three times a day. Lycopodium clavatum 5 CH is indicated for alleviating intertrigo caused by super infected eczema. If intertrigo is caused by Candida albicans, treat it with Monilia Ablicans 5 CH. Sulphur, in the form of an ointment, can be used to treat intertrigo with seborrhoeic dermatitis that is worsened by moisture. This product is used as an ointment, to be applied on lesions.
If left untreated, the infection can rapidly spread to the entire body. It is also necessary to seek medical attention when the first symptoms, such as humid, moist and reddish scabs appear on the skin’s folds. Cracking of skin, pruritus and oozing are all warning signs that indicate the need for a medical consultation.
• Calendula Officinalis
• Graphites
Good to know: Intertrigo is a condition that can affect young children during their teething period. Physicians can prescribe a Causticum-based homoeopathic treatment to cure intertrigo.
