Intertrigo — Conditions

What is Intertrigo?

Inflammation caused by friction and moisture in skin folds (armpits, groin, under breasts)

Bacteria and fungi thrive in warm, moist skin folds, causing redness, itching, and maceration.

Main causes & characteristics

Intertrigo is known to develop in skin fold areas — such as the armpits, groin, and beneath the breasts — where skin-on-skin friction, sweat, and moisture accumulate repeatedly. Warm, humid environments can promote the growth of bacteria or fungi such as Candida, potentially worsening inflammation. It tends to occur more frequently in individuals with obesity, hyperhidrosis, or diabetes, and during warmer seasons.

How to manage

Gently cleansing the affected area and allowing it to dry thoroughly, then wearing well-ventilated cotton clothing to reduce friction and moisture, is recommended. Placing clean cotton pads between skin folds to separate contact surfaces may also be helpful. Consulting a dermatologist is recommended if maceration is severe or a fungal infection is suspected.

Good to know alongside

Intertrigo is often discussed alongside candidiasis, irritant contact dermatitis, hyperhidrosis, and diaper rash.

Everyday care tips

Developing a habit of promptly wiping and drying sweat-prone skin folds after exercise or outdoor activity may help reduce recurrence.

Manage Intertrigo with SKINROUTE

• Skin100 Analysis — Skin100 precision analysis — 100+ questionnaire items analyzed by AI into 8 core skin factors
• AI Skin Consultation — AI skin consultation chat — ask questions about your skin in your language
• AI Challenge — AI-personalized 4–20 week skincare challenge based on your analysis results

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Intertrigo?

Inflammation caused by friction and moisture in skin folds (armpits, groin, under breasts). Bacteria and fungi thrive in warm, moist skin folds, causing redness, itching, and maceration.

Related Entries

• Acne
• Atopic Dermatitis
• Rosacea
• Melasma
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Urticaria (Hives)
• Sunburn

Explore Other Categories

• Laser Tattoo Removal (Clinic Care)
• VelaShape (Clinic Care)
• Silver Tox (Clinic Care)
• Peel Booster (Clinic Care)
• Skinvelo (Clinic Care)

Sources & References

• Korean Dermatological Association
• American Academy of Dermatology — Diseases & Conditions
• DermNet (New Zealand Dermatological Society)
• NIH MedlinePlus — Skin Conditions

Medical Disclaimer

SKINROUTE is not a medical device or healthcare provider. All content is general skincare information for reference only. If you have concerns about your skin, please consult a board-certified dermatologist.