Persistent Rash in Skin Folds: Intertrigo in a 77-Year-Old Male
by: Ashley Baldree
At Village Dermatology in Katy and Houston, Texas, we often see skin conditions that become more problematic with age due to changes in skin elasticity, moisture balance, and immune response. One such condition is intertrigo — a rash that develops in warm, moist skin folds.
Case Overview
A 77-year-old male visited our clinic with a bumpy, burning, and itchy rash on his lower back and buttock crease that had persisted for several months. He had already tried over-the-counter treatments including hydrocortisone cream, ketoconazole cream, and triple paste, but the rash continued to worsen.
On examination, the rash was located in the skin fold between the buttocks (intergluteal area) and displayed redness, irritation, and signs of chronic inflammation. The KOH skin scraping test was performed to help determine if a fungal component was present.
Diagnosis
The patient was diagnosed with intertrigo, a skin condition commonly triggered by friction, trapped moisture, and heat. This type of environment can encourage yeast or bacterial overgrowth, making symptoms worse.
Treatment Plan
To address the persistent rash, we prescribed a multi-step treatment regimen:
Silvadene cream to be applied nightly to soothe irritation and prevent infection.
Ketoconazole 2% cream applied in the morning for 6 weeks to target fungal overgrowth.
Zeasorb-AF powder to keep the area dry and reduce recurrence risk.
We also reviewed important skin care tips for preventing intertrigo flare-ups:
Keep skin folds clean and dry.
Use absorbent powders in high-friction areas.
Wear breathable, moisture-wicking clothing.
The patient will follow up in 6 weeks to monitor progress.
Why This Matters
For seniors, intertrigo can become a recurrent problem if not managed properly. Because it occurs in skin folds, it may be overlooked or misdiagnosed, delaying effective treatment. At Village Dermatology, we help patients in Katy and Houston, TX manage skin conditions like intertrigo with personalized treatment plans that address both the symptoms and underlying causes.
