What Is Intertrigo? Skin Fold Rash Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Written by Annie Stuart, Felicia Wilson
Medically Reviewed by Zilpah Sheikh, MD on September 05, 2025
4 min read

Intertrigo is a fancy name for a rash that shows up between the folds of skin. It is a very common skin rash that can happen throughout life.

The most common areas affected include larger skin-fold areas, such as:

What does intertrigo look like? It may cause:

  • Red or reddish-brown rash
  • Raw, itchy, or oozing skin
  • Foul odor
  • Cracked or crusty skin

Intertrigo may appear in any skin folds that rub together and trap moisture. In infants, intertrigo often shows up as diaper rash.

Intertrigo can show up:

  • Between toes and fingers
  • In armpits
  • In the inner thighs
  • In the groin and at the scrotum
  • On the underside of your breasts or belly
  • In the crease of your neck
  • Between the buttocks

If you have any symptoms of intertrigo, see your doctor. Your doctor can also check for the presence of an infection.

Intertrigo is an inflammatory skin condition that can be caused and worsened by many factors. These include:

  • Moisture
  • Heat
  • Lack of air circulation
  • Friction between skin folds

Sweat, urine, and feces can worsen this skin problem.

Intertrigo is often accompanied by an infection caused by:

  • Yeast
  • Other types of fungus
  • Bacteria

You are more likely to get these infections in skin folds because these areas are warm and tend to stay moist. This creates a welcome environment for the growth of germs.

You are more likely to develop intertrigo if you:

  • Are obese
  • Have diabetes
  • Have a splint, brace, or artificial limb
  • Are exposed to high heat and humidity

Other possible risk factors include:

Infants — with their chubbiness, shorter necks, and flexed posture — are also at a greater risk for intertrigo.

Certain skin diseases, such as psoriasis, may also lead to intertrigo. So, it's a good idea to have a dermatologist check it out.

If you or your child has intertrigo, your doctor may suggest simply keeping the affected area dry and exposed to the air. You may control oozing with moist compresses of an astringent called Burow's solution. Then, air-dry the area with a hair dryer set on "cool."

A barrier cream may be recommended to help protect your skin from irritants.

To treat intertrigo, your doctor may suggest short-term use of a topical steroid to lower inflammation in the area. If the area is also infected, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal or antibiotic cream or ointment. Sometimes you may need an oral medication.

Some simple steps may help lower your risk in the future, such as:

  • Shower and dry off thoroughly each day. Keep your skin as dry and cool as you can.
  • Avoid wearing tight shoes or clothing.
  • Wear a bra with good support.
  • If the areas between the toes are affected, consider wearing open-toed shoes.
  • For infants with diaper rash, change diapers more frequently.
  • If you are overweight, do what you can to lose weight.

Intertrigo is a rash that pops up in skin folds in places such as under your arms, breasts, belly, or between your thighs. It usually shows up where your skin rubs together and traps moisture.

Obesity, diabetes, excessive sweating, poor hygiene, and a weakened immune system can increase your risk of getting intertrigo. 

You can avoid getting intertrigo by using mild soap, steroid or antifungal creams, antibiotics, and keeping the area exposed to air.

Is coconut oil good for intertrigo?

Coconut oil has antifungal properties, so it may help with intertrigo. However, you may also need to use other things like a mild soap, topical steroid creams, antifungal creams, or shampoos for relief.

What soap is good for intertrigo?

Your dermatologist may suggest you use a gentle, fragrance-free soap. If you have a fungal infection, you may have to use a gentle, fragrance-free soap, a soap with ingredients like pyrithione zinc, or a shampoo with 1% ketoconazole. Other things your dermatologist may suggest include a topical steroid cream, antibacterial or antifungal creams, or possibly antibiotics. 

Can stress cause intertrigo?

No, not directly. Intertrigo is caused by moisture trapped in the folds of your skin. The moisture causes skin-to-skin friction, which can lead to inflammation and possible skin damage. But stress can cause sweating, which can lead to increased moisture on your skin.