Intertrigo Treatment Guidelines

Primary Management Strategies

Topical antifungal agents are the first-line treatment for intertrigo, with keeping the affected area dry being the most important intervention, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1
Topical azoles and polyenes, such as clotrimazole cream, miconazole cream, and nystatin cream or powder, are effective first-line treatments for candidal intertrigo 2

For more extensive or resistant cases of candidal intertrigo, oral antifungal therapy may be considered, with options including fluconazole 100-200 mg daily for 7-14 days and itraconazole solution 200 mg daily, as suggested by the Clinical Infectious Diseases guidelines 3
Topical antibacterial agents, such as mupirocin ointment and clindamycin lotion, should be used when bacterial infection is suspected, with consideration of doxycycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or other agents for MRSA involvement, according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America 4, 5

Obesity and diabetes mellitus are risk factors that require more aggressive management, as they can contribute to the development and persistence of intertrigo, as noted by the Clinical Infectious Diseases guidelines 1
Immunocompromised status is also a risk factor that requires more aggressive management, as it can increase the risk of complications and treatment failure, as suggested by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 6
Maintenance therapy with intermittent application of topical antifungals may be considered for recurrent or persistent intertrigo, as recommended by the Clinical Infectious Diseases guidelines 1