Brief Answer:
Fungal infection with "intertrigo" : suggestions and guidance.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome and thanks for posting your query to the forum.

I can understand your concern for the rash over the inner thighs. After diligently analyzing your query I can make out the possibility of fungal infection with "intertrigo" (infection of the folds).

Fungal infections and intertrigo are common type of infections which can affect anybody at the folds. But more commonly it affects the areas which are more prone for sweating or moist areas (as in your case). More specifically these are related to the hygiene and environmental factors along with certain systemic complaints as in hormonal problem such as diabetes.

Due to hot and humid climate or due to tight and synthetic clothing,it leads to growth of fungus and super-added bacteria at the folds. Additionally persons who have bit excess of sugar or obese are most prone for these type of infections.

For the betterment kindly follow the suggestion below:

- Keep your self away from hot and humid climate.

- Take two times bath.

- Wear cotton clothes and cotton undergarments to be changed two times a day. Do not wear any synthetic or tight garments.

- Do cold compression or warm water compresses according to the weather condition.

- Do not sit continuously for long hours.

-In my patients I suggest to apply anti-fungal creams such as "Clotrimazole" or "Sertaconazole" or "Amorolfine " and take anti-fungal tablets according to medical advise. It should be applied in thinnest possible amount so that it should not be visible to the naked eye. A rule of thumb is to take a pea size amount sufficient for palm size area and not to apply beyond the affected area.

- A compression with Gentian violet pain helps a lot. Take “Gentian violet paint” (GV paint) with normal water in a proportion of 1:10. It means I drop of Gentian violet paint and 10 drops of water or simply 1 teaspoon Gentian violet paint in 1 cup of water. Take a cotton ball and gently do compression. Do cold compression or warm water compresses according to the weather condition.

- YOu can use mupirocin cream which is basically antibacterial and will help out in treating the mixed infection due to bacterial cause.

-I suggest to take oral anti histamine like loratadine (Claritin) or levocetrizine two to three times a day.

-Don't try to scratch or rub the area as can lead to further aggravation of the problem.

- You can use any good antiperspirant powders daily to avoid future infection.

- Reduce your weight as it is on higher side.

You can follow the above regimen for 3-4 days and if benefit occurs can follow the same for next 10-14 days. If the rash still persists then can go for blood investigation to check for your sugar status.

Most importantly don't try to scratch or rub or repeatedly observe the area as can lead to further aggravation of the problem. I quite often see that due to anxiousness in persons like you keep on observing and touching the area repeatedly multiple times in day. By doing so the skin is actually more irritated and looks red. So son to try to touch the area repeatedly.

I reassure you fully that you will be alright soon.

I hope above information will help you. If you have further queries I will be happy to help.

"Wish you good health and early recovery from the problem"

Regards,
Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia
MD (Dermatology & Sexually transmitted diseases)

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