DERMATITIS, INTERTRIGINOUS |
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DESCRIPTIONIntertriginous dermatitus is an inflammation of the skin in areas where two surfaces rub together, such as the underarm area, the groin, beneath the breasts, and between the buttocks. Children and adults with diabetes are particularly susceptible.
Appropriate health care includes:
Self-care.
Physician's monitoring of general condition and medications.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Flaking white scales over reddish patches on the child's skin.
Itching (sometimes).
No pain.
CAUSES
Unknown but aggravated by:
Obesity.
Sweating in hot weather.
Infections caused by bacteria and fungus.
RISK FACTORS
Stress.
Hot, humid weather or cold, dry weather.
Infrequent shampoos and baths.
Oily skin.
Other skin disorders, such as acne rosacea, acne, or psoriasis.
Use of drying lotions that contain alcohol.
Lack of sunlight.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCECannot be prevented. To minimize severity or frequency of flare-ups, your child should:
Shampoo frequently.
Dry skin folds thoroughly after bathing.
Wear loose, ventilating clothing.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Diagnostic measures including cultures of skin from involved areas.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Embarrassment and social discomfort.
Secondary bacterial infection in affected areas.
PROBABLE OUTCOME
This is a chronic condition, but it is often characterized by long periods of inactivity. During active phases, your child's symptoms can be controlled with treatment.
TREATMENT
HOME CAREInstructions for your child:
Keep cool and dry.
If the problem is on the skin under the breasts, wear supportive bras made of non-irritating material, such as cotton.
Expose involved areas to sunlight as much as possible.
Bathe frequently with non-irritating soap or plain water. Don't scrub the involved areas vigorously.
Apply compresses dipped in Burrow's solution (1 tablet of Domeboro dissolved in 1 pint of cool water). Make compresses by dipping clean cloths folded into several layers into the solution. Apply the compresses to the involved areas for 20 minutes 6 times daily until improvement begins.
Discontinue the use of all skin preparations other than the ones prescribed by your physician.
MEDICATION
Medicines must be fitted to your child's own particular needs. Do not give any medicine (not even medicine you buy without prescription) without telling your doctor. If your doctor prescribes any drugs, carefully follow the instructions on the label.
See Medications section for information regarding medicines your doctor may prescribe.
ACTIVITY
Your child should decrease activity that causes sweating, if possible, until the skin is healed.
DIET & FLUIDS
No special diet.
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?Yes.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
The Involved skin becomes infected, as evidenced by a fever over 100F, along with oozing or seepage from the inflamed area.
The program prescribed by your child's doctor doesn't bring relief in a few days.
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