BODY ODOR and INTERTRIGINOUS SKIN FOLDS

BODY ODOR and INTERTRIGINOUS SKIN FOLDS

Introduction

Intertriginous skin folds are skin creases that are susceptible to odor. These skin folds can be found in various places on the body, including under the arms, between fingers and toes, under the breasts and buttocks, and around the genital or groin area. Intertriginous skin folds can pose problems to a person of any size.

Intertriginous skin folds

Intertriginous skin folds are skin creases that are susceptible to odor and typically rub or touch adjacent skin areas. Skin creases that may be intertriginous include:

  • Skin folds under arms (axillae)

  • Skin folds around navel region or groin area (inguinal area)

  • Skin creases between fingers on hands

  • Skin between the toes

  • Buttocks area

  • Under the breast area

  • Skin areas that touch one another 

 

 

Intertriginous skin fold problems 

Intertriginous skin folds are a common cause of bad odor and can be avoided sometimes by proper hygiene practices. However,  infections can still develop. Intertrigo, as its name implies, is a condition developed in the intertriginous skin folds. According to  s journal article Intertrigo , it is "a superficial inflammatory skin condition of the skin's flexural surfaces, prompted or irritated by warm temperatures, friction, moisture, maceration, and poor ventilation". The infection can be bacterial, viral or fungal and medical attention should be sought. 

In the SHILDZ blog article, Bromhidrosis- An Unpleasant Odor, we delve into another condition that causes body odor. Bromhidrosis is also prevalent in intertriginous skin fold areas. Because bacteria thrive in moist, friction-prone areas this is one of the best ways to tackle body odor. Keep the skin folds as dry as possible with air circulating. 

 

 

Preventing Odor

Intertriginous skin folds are a common cause of bad odor and can become inflamed and irritated.   Avoiding Intertrigo includes proper hygiene practices, but also seeking medical attention when your routines are no longer working. Here are a few hygiene practices that could help prevent Intertrigo and body odor:

  • Keep skin folds clean and dry.

  • Wash skin folds daily with soap and water or shower more often than usual if you have an odor problem.

  • Soaping up with a bar of soap and scrubbing with a washcloth will help wash away sweat and bacteria from your skin folds.

  • Ask your medical provider if you need to apply anti-fungal cream to the affected area as needed (for example, after you've been sweating heavily). 

  • Wear breathable fabrics allowing air to circulate.

  • Apply Deodorants 

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