Intertrigo, an inflammatory dermatosis involving body folds that develops through friction of skin to skin is influenced by moist conditions. It is found primarily in the area under the breasts, groin, abdominal and perianal skin folds. Besides these large skin folds, intertrigo may also affect minor skin folds (such as the armpits). Intertrigo has been defined as 'an erythematous eruption in a skin fold, caused by warmth, moisture and chafing; it occurs most often in the skin folds under the breasts and in the groin or as “a cutaneous inflammatory process on opposing skin surfaces” or “an inflammatory dermatosis involving body folds.”
The moist damaged skin may become secondary infected by bacteria, yeast or fungi. Visual symptoms of intertrigo are redness in mirror format and moist skin. Patients may complain of itching, burning feeling, pain and odor.
This good article about intertrigo will provide a thorough understanding of the problem and is available free full-text online. BMC Nurs. 2010; 9: 12.
Prevention and treatment of intertrigo in large skin folds of adults: a systematic review.