Treatment of Erythema Intertrigo

General Management Principles

• The British Journal of Dermatology recommends using mild soaps or soap-free cleansing bases with lukewarm water for cleaning the affected area 1
• The Annals of Oncology suggests thoroughly drying the area after bathing, patting gently rather than rubbing, and choosing fine cotton clothes instead of synthetic materials 2

Treatment Based on Severity and Complications

• For impetiginization, the Annals of Oncology recommends obtaining bacterial swabs and starting calculated anti-infective treatment 3
• The Annals of Oncology suggests short-term use of mild to moderate potency topical corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone 1%, to reduce inflammation 2
• The Annals of Oncology recommends short-term oral systemic steroids for severe inflammation with erythema and desquamation 3

Management of Pruritus

• The Annals of Oncology suggests applying moisturizers and urea- or polidocanol-containing lotions to soothe itching, and using oral H1-antihistamines such as cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine for moderate to severe pruritus 3

Special Considerations

• The Annals of Oncology recommends avoiding greasy creams for basic care as they might facilitate folliculitis due to occlusive properties, and using topical steroids cautiously and for short durations to avoid skin atrophy and perioral dermatitis 4