What is sweat rash?
A sweat rash (also known as intertrigo) can be itchy and painful, but it is not contagious. It is an inflammatory skin condition that causes a reddish rash to appear between the folds of your skin, areas of skin which rub together, and areas of skin where there is less air circulation.1
You will normally see it under your arms, in the crease of your neck, on the back of your knees, under your breasts, in the groin area and between abdominal skin folds.2 The area between your skin folds are warm and moist, which creates a welcome environment for skin fungus to grow.
A sweat rash is often accompanied by a fungal infection known as Candidiasis, which is caused by Candida yeast, as well as other types of fungi or bacteria.
What causes sweat rash?
The factors that can cause or worsen your skin inflammation include: moisture, heat, lack of air circulation and friction between skin folds. Additionally, sweat, urine and faeces can contribute to this condition.
Who is at risk at getting a sweat rash?
You are more likely to get a sweat rash if you:
are overweight
have diabetes
have a weakened immune system due to chemotherapy or HIV
have a splint, brace or artificial limb
are exposed to high heat and humidity
use clothing and shoes that are too tight
are confined to bed for a long period of time 3,4
Sweat rash is common during the dry season, and can affect you frequently if you play sports regularly. Infants often get this fungal infection because of their chubbiness, short necks and flexed posture. While adorable, those baby skin folds are ideal for moisture to collect, so it’s important to clean them regularly.5
Sweat rash symptoms
Preventing sweat rash
You can try and lower the risk of getting intertrigo. These tips can help you:
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Keep your skin cool, dry and exposed to air.
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Pat rather than rub your skin. Dry-rubbing may damage your skin and spread infection.
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Always wash your hands after applying a treatment to avoid spreading infection.
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Clean your skin gently, moisturise or apply a skin barrier protectant cream.
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Use fragrance-free soaps and other skin products to minimise irritation.
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Don’t wear tight clothing or shoes that can constrict the affected area. If your toes are affected, wear open-toe shoes.
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Avoid tight-fitting clothes that may rub your skin and choose natural fabrics like cotton as compared to synthetic fibres like lycra and nylon, as the latter reduces the amount of air which reaches the skin.10,11
REFERENCES:
- Causes, in: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/intertrigo
- What causes intertrigo?, in: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/intertrigo
- History and Physical & Treatment and Management, in: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531489/
- Etiology and Predisposing Factors & Preventing Recurrent Infections, in: Kalra, M. et al. op. cit.
- Etiology & Epidemiology, in: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531489/
- Clinical Manifestations, in: Kalra, M.: op. cit/
- Symptoms, in: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/intertrigo
- Treatment / Management, in: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531489/
- History and Physical & Consultations, in: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531489/
- History and Physical & Treatment and Management, in: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531489/
- Preventing Recurrent Infections, in: Kalra, M. et al. op. cit.
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