Intertrigo: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.

What kind of doctor treats Intertrigo?

A dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin conditions, can treat intertrigo. A health care provider can usually tell if you have it by looking at your skin. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.

What is intertrigo?

Intertrigo is inflammation of the skin folds. It tends to occur in warm, moist areas of the body where two skin surfaces rub or press against each other. It affects the top layers of skin. It is common in warm, moist climates. It develops through rubbing of skin on skin and is influenced by moist conditions.

Symptoms

Bright red, well-defined weeping patches are seen in the folds of the skin. These folds include the neck, armpits, elbow pits, groin, finger and toe webs, and backs of the knees. If the skin is very moist, it may begin to break down. In severe cases, there may be a bad odor.

Signs and symptoms can include:

  • Redness.
  • Moist skin.
  • Itching.
  • A burning feeling.
  • Pain.
  • Odor.

Causes and who gets it

Intertrigo is caused by moisture, bacteria, or fungus in the folds of the skin. Moist, damaged skin can become infected by bacteria, yeast, or fungi. The condition is most common in people who are obese. It may also occur in people who must stay in bed or who wear medical devices such as artificial limbs, splints, and braces. These devices may trap moisture against the skin.

How doctors diagnose it

Your provider can usually tell if you have the condition by looking at your skin. Other tests may include a skin scraping and a test called a KOH examination to check for a fungal infection. Your provider may look at your skin with a special lamp called a Wood's lamp to check for a bacterial infection called erythrasma. In rare cases, a skin biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

You may be able to treat mild cases that have not become infected at home. Home care steps include:

  • Separate skin folds with clean gauze or dry towels.
  • Blow a fan or hair dryer on cool on moist areas.
  • Wear loose clothing and moisture-wicking fabrics.
  • Use antiperspirant cream or powder to help prevent sweating.
  • Use skin creams or ointments with petroleum or zinc oxide to create a skin barrier to reduce friction.
  • Use an over-the-counter steroid cream, such as hydrocortisone, to help reduce inflammation.
  • Use an over-the-counter antifungal or antibacterial cream or ointment to help prevent fungal or bacterial growth.

If the skin has become infected, treatment is based on what is causing the inflammation. Often there may be more than one cause.

  • A prescription antibiotic or antifungal cream applied to the skin.
  • Drying medicine, such as Domeboro soaks.
  • Low-dose steroid cream or immune modulating cream.
  • Creams or powders that protect the skin to help relieve discomfort.
  • Antibiotic or antifungal pills to treat infection.

When to see a doctor

Contact your health care provider if the condition does not go away, even with good home care. Also contact your provider if the affected skin spreads beyond a skin fold.

How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in

A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can usually tell if you have the condition by looking at your skin. They can also check the skin for a fungal infection with a skin scraping.

Common questions

Can I treat intertrigo at home?

You may be able to treat mild cases that have not become infected at home. Keeping skin folds apart with clean gauze or dry towels is one step. Wearing loose clothing and moisture-wicking fabrics is another.

What causes intertrigo?

Intertrigo is caused by moisture, bacteria, or fungus in the folds of the skin. Rubbing of skin on skin also plays a part.

Who gets intertrigo?

It is most common in people who are obese. It may also occur in people who must stay in bed or who wear medical devices such as artificial limbs, splints, and braces.

How do doctors diagnose intertrigo?

Doctors diagnose intertrigo by looking at your skin, which usually shows a provider if you have it. A skin scraping and a KOH test can check for a fungal infection.

When should I call a provider about intertrigo?

Call your provider if the condition does not go away, even with good home care. Call also if the affected skin spreads beyond a skin fold.

Sources

  1. MedlinePlus - Intertrigo
  2. NCBI (PubMed Central) - Prevention and treatment of intertrigo in large skin folds of adults: a systematic review

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.