Keeping areas dry

For the past year I have been suffering with frequent fungal infections in my skin folds, including under both arms, breasts and the creases of my thighs. I have used both OTC and Rx antifungal ointments, with only very temporary, marginal success. My intent is to continue using them for the time period specified after it's "cured", but the cure never lasts that long, so I am always using these ointments.

A major issue is that no matter what I do, I am unable to keep these moist areas dry.

I also suffer from severe plaque psoriasis (diagnosed) and was taking methotrexate for a while, with only marginal improvement. Subsequently, I stopped taking the methotrexate.

I recently read online that I may have psoriasis in my skin folds, instead of or in addition to the constant fungus - but it would look differently because the areas are so moist, the skin cells can not accumulate the same way.

Whatever it is, it itches very, very badly and the areas are always moist to quite wet.

Would the use of talc help or does talc make this worse? Any other suggestions for keeping these areas dry?  I dry thoroughly after bathing and even use my blow dryer on "cool" several times/day to dry things out, but the drying lasts only a few minutes.

Thank you for any input.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to intertrigo skin. It most commonly occurs due to bacterial, viral or fungal infection. An intertrigo usually appears red and raw-looking, and may also itch, ooze, and be sore.

Please keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical zinc oxide cream like Sudocrem, Desitin are very helpful(apply with a paper towel and not directly with hands).Application of mild steroid cream like dermacort also helps. For the itching please take some over the counter antihistaminic like Benadryl or Claritin. In case the symptoms persist then antifungals may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[meniere135]

I don't know if this will help you, but I would get sweaty and itchy in those same areas.  I went on a gluten free diet for another reason and the itchy, red rashes went away.  I would still get sweaty in the skin folds, but everything else went away.  And some people with psoriasis are helped with the gluten free diet - my husband being one of them.  If you'd like to give the diet a try, give it three months.  Read about the gluten free diet on the internet.  If you need help, just leave me a message.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to intertrigo skin. It most commonly occurs due to bacterial, viral or fungal infection. An intertrigo usually appears red and raw-looking, and may also itch, ooze, and be sore.

Please keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical zinc oxide cream like Sudocrem, Desitin are very helpful(apply with a paper towel and not directly with hands).Application of mild steroid cream like dermacort also helps. For the itching please take some over the counter antihistaminic like Benadryl or Claritin. In case the symptoms persist then antifungals may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[ItsMe333]

Thank you both so very much for your prompt replies. I truly appreciate your input!

I tried Desitin once before and it didn't seem to help. However, I hadn't tried it in conjunction with anything such as a steroid cream. I also never thought of an antihistamine or any dietary changes.

I'll let you know how it goes :)

Thank you again.