Keep dry washcloths or towels on hand so you can dry your skin when it becomes moist. It can also help to have a fan blowing on the area. Stick to light-weight clothing that will wick away moisture. [5] X Expert Source Lydia Shedlofsky, DODermatologist Expert Interview. 11 November 2020. If the rash is on your feet, set your shoes outside in the sun to dry whenever the weather is clear. Not only will this keep your shoes dry, it will also eliminate odor.
If you tape the gauze or cotton to your skin, use surgical tape and make sure you don’t put any tape on the rash itself.
For example, you can find inexpensive medicated foot powder at a local drug store, or you can just use regular corn starch. Make sure your skin is clean and completely dry before you apply talcum powder. If your rash is on your feet, you can also put talcum powder or anti-fungal powder in your shoes to absorb the moisture.
Many of these ointments are packaged and advertised for use for diaper rash, which is a type of intertrigo. They work for adults as well. Although it’s messy, it’s okay to use both zinc oxide ointment and cornstarch powder at the same time. Using them together will increase their effectiveness.
If you think you may have an infection, you really need to visit your healthcare provider. Keep in mind that an infection is contagious, so you could be spreading the rash. Anti-fungal creams won’t necessarily work for all rashes. It’s worth trying, but if you have a reaction or the rash gets worse, stop using the cream immediately.
After physical activity, take a shower and wash all of the petroleum jelly off, then make sure you’ve dried your skin completely. Petroleum jelly works best for people who occasionally get a rash during sports. However, it might make the situation worse if you have recurring intertrigo.
Make sure your skin is completely dry before you put on clothes. Otherwise, that moisture will become trapped in the folds of your skin and can worsen your rash.
Your doctor can typically diagnose intertrigo without any special tests. They will simply examine the characteristics of the rash and its location to determine if it’s intertrigo or something else.
If you have to stay in bed, for example, while pregnant or recovering from surgery or an injury, you may also be at risk of developing intertrigo. Medical devices such as splints or artificial limbs can also trap moisture against the skin, leading to intertrigo.
In rare cases, your doctor will need to perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis. If you have a biopsy, you normally won’t find out the results for a day or two.
You may be prescribed a steroid cream, which reduces inflammation and calms the skin. Immune modulating creams are also used.
In cold weather, wear light layers that you can easily remove if you get too hot. Avoid thick, heavy sweaters that may cause you to overheat and sweat.
Losing weight is a long-term goal. Avoid crash diets that promise immediate results without requiring you to change your lifestyle. You’ll typically gain back any weight you lost when the diet ends. Make an effort to do something active each day. Over time, you’ll develop the habit of being more active and start losing weight.
If you have a rash, be sure to use your own towel and don’t let anyone else have contact with it. Don’t use the common towels at the gym, as this can contaminate that towel and the other towels in the gym laundry. Rashes can be very contagious. A fan or hair dryer may be more efficient than a towel and will ensure that your skin is completely dry.
