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Definition

noun

The rubbing or chaffing of skin folds or juxtaposed skin surfaces resulting in sweat retention, moisture, friction, warmth, and overgrowth of resident microorganisms, and may further lead to inflammation, dermatitis, abrasion and secondary infection of the skin between the folds.

Supplement

Intertigo can occur on skin surfaces that frequently come in contact, such as the armpits, under the breasts, between the digits and thighs, creases of the neck, intergluteal folds, groin, etc. It is characterized by redness (erythema), maceration, burning, itching, and sometimes erosions, fissures, exudations and secondary infections.

Word origin: Latin inter, between + terere, tritum, to rub.

Related terms:

• intertriginous
• eczema intertrigo