Skin Fold Rash (Intertrigo): Under the Breasts, Belly or Groin, and How to Clear It
A red, raw, sometimes itchy rash where skin rubs skin is often intertrigo. Here's how to clear it, when it's a yeast infection, and when to get seen.
Intertrigo is a rash in skin folds, where skin rubs against skin and traps heat and moisture: under the breasts, in belly folds, the groin, armpits, between the thighs, and behind the ears or in neck folds in babies. It looks red, raw and sometimes shiny, and can itch, burn or sting. Keeping the area clean, dry and separated usually clears it. When yeast or bacteria get involved, causing satellite spots, oozing or a bad smell, it needs an antifungal or antibiotic treatment.
Symptoms
- Red or darker, raw-looking skin in a fold
- Itching, burning or stinging
- Moist or cracked skin
- Sometimes a musty smell
Signs yeast or bacteria are involved
- Yeast (candida): bright red rash with small red bumps or spots just outside the main rash
- Bacteria: oozing, crusting, pus, a strong smell, or spreading redness and pain
Who gets it
- Hot, humid weather, exercise and sweating
- Excess weight or large breasts
- Diabetes
- Incontinence or wearing pads or diapers
- Tight clothing
- Babies with chubby neck and leg folds
What helps
- Keep the folds dry: pat dry after bathing, and use a fan or a hair dryer on cool
- Separate the folds with a soft cotton cloth or moisture-wicking fabric
- Wear loose, breathable cotton clothing and a supportive bra
- Use a barrier cream such as zinc oxide on raw skin
- Try an antifungal cream (clotrimazole or miconazole) if you see satellite spots
- Avoid heavy perfumed lotions and powders that cake in the fold
When to get seen
Come in, or start with a telehealth visit, if a rash hasn't improved after a week of home care, is oozing, crusting or smells, keeps coming back, or you have diabetes. A clinician can tell whether yeast or bacteria are involved and prescribe the right cream or medicine. Our posts on heat rash, ringworm and yeast infections cover look-alikes. At an AfterOurs clinic, a standard self-pay visit is $175, and a self-pay in-clinic visit never costs more than $330. Telehealth is $75. We contract with all major commercial and government plans, including Colorado Medicaid and Medicare. See our rashes page and the cost and insurance page.
Get seen the same day if the skin becomes hot, swollen and painful, red streaks spread from the rash, or you have a fever. Go to the ER if spreading redness comes with a high fever, chills or feeling very unwell.
Where to find us
Four clinics across metro Denver, all ages welcome, se habla español:
- Hampden (Southeast Denver): 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Littleton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Thornton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Highlands: Mon–Fri 5–11 PM, Sat–Sun 8 AM–11 PM
Walk in, or book online.
Medically reviewed by Peter Martinuzzi, MD
This article is general health information, not medical advice for your situation. If you are worried, come in or book a telehealth visit — and if it is an emergency, call 911.