What would be the cause of red raised oily smelly skin patches under folds of skin?

Answer 1

Intertrigo is the word used to describe a rash in body folds. Affected skin is reddened and uncomfortable. Intertrigo is particularly common in those who are overweight. Body folds (flexures) are prone to inflammatory rashes because of: * Relatively high skin temperature * Moisture from insensible water loss and sweating cannot evaporate * Friction from movement of adjacent skin results in chafing Bacteria and yeasts which are normally resident on the skin multiply in such environments and may result in further damage to the skin. Intertrigo is an inflammatory condition of skin folds, induced or aggravated by heat, moisture, maceration, friction, and lack of air circulation. The condition frequently is worsened or colonized by infection, which most commonly is candidal but also may be bacterial, fungal, or viral. Intertrigo commonly affects the axilla, perineum, inframammary creases, and abdominal folds. Diaper dermatitis shows significant overlap with intertrigo. Intertrigo is a common complication of obesity and Diabetes. Intertrigo develops from mechanical factors and secondary infection. Heat and maceration are central to the process. Opposing skin surfaces rub against each other, causing erosions that become inflamed. Sweat, feces, urine, and vaginal discharge may aggravate intertrigo in both adults and infants. == Intertrigo is common, especially in hot humid environments. The condition is a common complication of diabetes, and it affects most infants as a component of diaper dermatitis. As a complication of more serious disease, intertrigo should be considered a comorbidity. Intertrigo becomes most serious as a source of secondary infection. Intertrigo has no racial predilection. Intertrigo has no sex predilection, other than that from anatomic differences. Intertrigo affects people who are very old and very young because of reduced immunity, immobilization, and incontinence. * Intertrigo usually is chronic with insidious onset of itching, burning, and stinging in skin folds. * * When acute discomfort is noted, consider secondary infection. * * Intertrigo commonly is seasonal, associated with heat and humidity or strenuous activity in which chafing occurs. * * In addition to obesity and diabetes, hyperhidrosis may be a risk factor. * * Additional factors that predispose individuals to perineal intertrigo include urinary or fecal incontinence, vaginal discharge, or a draining wound. * * The appearance of intertrigo is dependent on the skin area involved and the duration of inflammation. Erythema and weeping may progress to maceration and crusting. Fissuring may follow erosion. Pustules or vesicles may herald infection. In the perineum, depths of the skin folds are involved compared to purely irritant diaper dermatitis in which only convex surfaces are involved. * * Any skin fold may be involved with intertrigo. In adults or infants who are obese, skin folds are accentuated, and inflammation may occur under pendulous abdominal folds, in neck creases, or in popliteal or antecubital fossae. * * As the mandible shrinks in elderly persons and the vertical dimensions decrease around the mouth, inflammation and candidiasis can occur under the accentuated nasolabial fold that develops. * * Initiating factors include friction, perspiration, maceration, or irritation from stool, urine, drainage, or topical agents. * * Autoeczematization and infection also may be factors. * * Whether infectious agents play a primary role or simply are common secondary agents is controversial. * * * *