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Elderly Lady Has Red Irritated Skin In Creases At Top
Question: elderly lady has red irritated skin in creases at top of legs and the top of pubic area also under breasts
Brief Answer:
may be related to intertrigo, inflammation of the skin folds
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is possible that the redness that you are seeing is due to intertrigo which is irritation/inflammation of the skin in the skin folds
The skin folds would be under the breasts, in the axilla and in the pubic area.
Intertrigo can occur in one or more of these areas.
It is caused and worsened by heat, moisture and friction. In some cases, bacterial and/or fungal infections can occur with the intertrigo and these would then also need to be treated.
Since it is worsened with heat, friction and moisture, these 3 areas have to be addressed.
Heat: avoid any constrictive or hot clothing, keep as cool as possible
Friction: need to prevent the skin folds from rubbing, the use of a zinc based cream such as desitin or triple paste (better option of the two) would help.
For the first few days (4 to 5), combine a mild topical steroid cream such as hydrocortisone, with the cream to reduce friction. This would help to reduce the inflammation in the area
Moisture: keep the areas as dry as possible, absorbent powders , powders such as talc- may be helpful
If there is no improvement an anti fungal or anti bacterial cream may be needed since these spaces are prone to infection
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
may be related to intertrigo, inflammation of the skin folds
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is possible that the redness that you are seeing is due to intertrigo which is irritation/inflammation of the skin in the skin folds
The skin folds would be under the breasts, in the axilla and in the pubic area.
Intertrigo can occur in one or more of these areas.
It is caused and worsened by heat, moisture and friction. In some cases, bacterial and/or fungal infections can occur with the intertrigo and these would then also need to be treated.
Since it is worsened with heat, friction and moisture, these 3 areas have to be addressed.
Heat: avoid any constrictive or hot clothing, keep as cool as possible
Friction: need to prevent the skin folds from rubbing, the use of a zinc based cream such as desitin or triple paste (better option of the two) would help.
For the first few days (4 to 5), combine a mild topical steroid cream such as hydrocortisone, with the cream to reduce friction. This would help to reduce the inflammation in the area
Moisture: keep the areas as dry as possible, absorbent powders , powders such as talc- may be helpful
If there is no improvement an anti fungal or anti bacterial cream may be needed since these spaces are prone to infection
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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