Medicines for the Treatment of Intertrigo

Definition

Intertrigo delineates a morbid condition affecting the skin, a consequence of the continuous rubbing between two contiguous body surfaces; in other words, intertrigo is a variant of the classic inflammatory dermatosis, typical of skin folds subjected to friction, especially in those areas where sweat stagnates.

Causes

The sweat that stagnates between two body surfaces subjected to continuous friction inevitably generates the slow maceration of the epidermal layer (surface), the ideal ground for the proliferation of bacteria: it is precisely this condition that is at the "origin of" intertrigo. The pathogens most involved in the disease are Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, fungi of the genus Epidermophyton, Streptococcus piogene, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Risk factors: obesity, overweight, poor personal hygiene, stagnation of sweat, slightly alkaline stools (in the newborn) that corrode the skin, use of too tight footwear

Symptoms

The clinical picture of intertrigo is rather complex and highly variable based on the damage caused by the pathogen: the disease begins with redness, de-epithelialization, peeling of the skin, irritation, and itching. Untreated intertrigo can degenerate: intense, painful pain maceration of the skin, erythema, cracks, pustules, bleeding, fissures, blisters.

The information on Intertrigo - Intertrigo Treatment Drugs is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Intertrigo - Intertrigo Treatment Drugs.

Medicines

The culture isolation of bacterial colonies is essential before starting a drug treatment: in fact, only after having isolated the pathogen responsible for the infection is it possible to proceed with antibiotic therapy. The doctor's opinion is always essential: in the case of intertrigo - the damage of which is proportional to the patient's delay in the face of a diagnosis - immediate medical consultation helps prevent complications and speed up healing.
In addition to the administration of antibiotics or antifungals for topical application, intertrigo is also treated with emollient, nourishing and healing creams.
Sometimes, intertrigo is so severe that the pain becomes unbearable: in this case, the patient can also take painkillers or local anesthetics, to alleviate the symptoms.
In some cases, topical application of antifungals / antibiotics is not sufficient, therefore additional oral therapy is required.

The following are the classes of drugs most used in the therapy against intertrigo, and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the most suitable active ingredient and dosage for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment:

Topical drugs for the treatment of intertrigo:

Miconazole (eg Oravig, Cruex, Micatin): this active ingredient belongs to the pharmacological class of imidazoles, indicated to treat all infections caused by fungi, including intertrigo. The drug acts by altering the membrane permeability of the fungi cells. Yes recommends topical application (in the form of powder, cream or spray) 2 times a day, on cleansed and carefully dried skin. The duration of therapy should be determined by the doctor on the basis of the severity of the infection and the response to treatment.
Clotrimazole, 1% (eg Canesten, Mycelex): in the form of cream, powder or solution, apply to the infected area twice a day for 10 days.Also this drug, belonging to the class of imidazoles, is indicated to treat intertrigo from Candida albicans.
Terbinafine hydrochloride (eg. Lamisil, Daskil, Lamisilmono): the drug (belonging to the class of allylamines, active against fungi) acts effectively against fungi belonging to the genus Candida, although the efficacy of the drug has also been proven for other fungi . Local application of this active is also indicated to treat infections in the context of intertrigo. It is recommended to apply the product on infected skin 1-2 times a day, after having thoroughly cleansed and dried the injured area. application, it is recommended, especially in the case of intertrigo lesions, to cover the lesion with a bandage, especially during night rest.

Systemic drugs for the treatment of intertrigo:

Itraconazole (eg. Sporanox, Trazer, Itraconaz EG): drug of excellence used in therapy against infections caused by Candida albicans, itraconazole is administered orally in patients with fungal intertrigo, who do not respond positively to the topical application of specific drugs. It is recommended to take one tablet (200 mg) once a day for one or two weeks, as prescribed by your doctor.
Fluconazole (eg. Diflucan): the drug is indicated for the systemic (oral) treatment of intertrigo caused by fungal infections. Indicatively, take a drug dose of 150 mg per day, for 2 weeks, unless otherwise indicated by the doctor.
Penicillin (eg. Benzyl B, Benzyl P): is the antibiotic drug of choice used for the treatment of intertrigo caused by beta hemolytic streptococcus. In general, the drug should be taken orally, for 10 days. The dosage should be carefully established by the doctor. It is recommended to complete the treatment period with the antibiotic, even when there is a noticeable improvement in symptoms after a few days: completing the drug therapy is one of the preventive measures to avoid relapses of infection and resistance to antibiotics.
Amoxicillin (eg Augmentin, Klavux): the antibiotic is indicated to treat intertrigo dependent on pyogenic streptococcus. Indicatively, it is recommended to take a drug dose of 250-500 mg orally, three times a day for a period ranging from 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the severity of the condition. Alternatively, 500-875 mg of the drug can be taken twice a day. The posology just described does not replace the doctor's opinion.
Amikacin (eg Chemacin, Mikan, Likacin): the drug belongs to the class of aminoglycosides. Indicated to treat infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients with intertrigo. In general, the drug should be taken intramuscularly or intravenously, at a dose ranging from 15 to 22.5 mg / kg per day, divided into 1-3 daily doses, based on the severity of the infection. Do not exceed 1.5 grams per day.

Complementary therapy: "natural" drugs

Even phytotherapy can help to alleviate the symptoms related to intertrigo: given that the disease is characterized by desquamation and swelling of the anatomical site where it occurs, the application of creams with nourishing, healing and re-epithelizing action is very useful for enhance the action of the drug, although it clearly cannot constitute an "alternative to drug therapy.
Below are listed some of the plants used in therapy for the formulation of creams, ointments or ointments aimed at restoring intertrigo.

Aloe vera (Aloe vera gel): particularly suitable for its restorative and refreshing properties. The extract contains organic acids, vitamins and polysaccharides indicated to promote wound healing
Hypericum oil (Hypericum perforatum): the phytocomplex is used in therapy for the treatment of intertrigo, thanks to its antiseptic, healing and re-epithelizing properties.
Grapefruit seeds (from the plant Citrus × paradisi): rich in flavonoids, the grapefruit seed extract is used in parallel natural therapy against intertrigo thanks to its antiseptic and therefore disinfectant properties, which prove to be suitable for warding off the bacteria and fungi that colonize the sores formed by the intertrigo .

The drugs just described are just some of the many "drugs" that nature offers for the treatment of intertrigo; it should be remembered that the sores that accompany the disorder can also be relieved through the application of talc, based on zinc oxide, oats and corn starch, which act as soothing, astringent and anti-itch.
In case of obesity or overweight, it is recommended to follow a low-calorie diet aimed at reducing weight which, as we have analyzed, when it is high, constitutes one of the risk factors for the onset of intertrigo.