Intertrigo: How to Avoid Sweat Rash

What is intertrigo?

Intertrigo is an inflammatory skin condition that appears as a reddish rash. It can be sore, itchy, and uncomfortable. Depending on how long a case lasts and whether you’ve experienced it before, intertrigo can fall into one of three categories:

• Acute intertrigo - This is intertrigo that has recently appeared for the first time
• Recurrent intertrigo - If you’ve had intertrigo before, this is called recurrent intertrigo
• Chronic intertrigo - Intertrigo becomes chronic if you have a case that has lasted six weeks or more

What causes intertrigo?

Intertrigo occurs when skin rubs against skin through movement. Moisture from sweat then exacerbates the issue when it gets trapped between creases on the body. This is why intertrigo is often referred to as sports rash or sweat rash and tends to be more common in summer. 

Some cases of intertrigo can cause the bacteria and/or fungus (e.g. Candida) present on your skin to multiply. This then triggers your immune system to respond, leading to a secondary inflammation and often an infection too. 

What areas of the body are most prone to intertrigo?

Intertrigo typically affects areas of the body where skin-to-skin friction occurs and sweat is more likely to become trapped between skin folds. For example, it’s common to experience sweat rash under the breasts. Other areas of the body most prone to intertrigo include:

• Between toes and fingers
• Armpits
• Neck creases and under the chin
• Between belly folds
• Between and under the buttocks
• Groin 
• Upper thighs

How to treat intertrigo

If you have an inflammatory-only sweat rash, with no infection present, intertrigo treatment is straightforward: 

• Always shower immediately after exercise
• To avoid drying your skin out with soap, switch to an emollient for washing 
• After showering, gently pat your skin dry before applying barrier film
• For chronic intertrigo or more severe skin damage, apply Medi Derma-PRO Skin Protectant Ointment

If your rash has become infected with bacteria or fungus, you will need to see a doctor. They will prescribe a topical intertrigo cream to be applied twice a day for two to four weeks. You may also need a special soap and/or an oral medication depending on the type of infection and the severity of your case.

How to prevent intertrigo

Although sweat rash is common, it’s possible to prevent it by following these steps:

• Always shower immediately after exercising 
• When drying your skin, pat it gently instead of rubbing
• Prevent the friction that can lead to intertrigo by applying a barrier film to your skin such as Medi Derma-S Total Barrier Film before physical activity
• Apply a mild antiperspirant to areas prone to sweating such as the armpits and under the breasts 
• Wear loose, cotton clothing and avoid synthetic materials 

Intertrigo FAQs

Find out more about this common skin condition with these intertrigo FAQs:

What does a sweat rash look like? 

An intertrigo rash can appear as spots, patches, or a series of bumpy raised areas and is often red or pink. That said, intertrigo can look maroon, purple, or brown on darker skin tones or certain areas of the body. 

A particularly inflamed sweat rash may indicate a secondary infection from bacteria or fungus, especially if the area develops a bad smell.  

Is sweat rash itchy?

Yes, sweat rash can often feel itchy, uncomfortable, prickly, and painful. Scratching intertrigo can make it worse by breaking the skin and increasing the risk of infection. 

How long do sweat rashes last?

A sweat rash usually lasts between two and six weeks. Beyond this, it would be referred to as chronic intertrigo.  

How do you treat sweat rash?

If you have intertrigo with no infection, you can treat this by keeping the affected area clean and dry and applying a protective cream. If the intertrigo is infected, your doctor will prescribe a specific intertrigo cream and, if necessary, an oral medication. 

How do you stop sweat rash?

You can help stop sweat rash from happening in the first place by showering after exercising, using a barrier cream to protect the area from friction, and wearing loose clothing made from natural fibres.