How can my mother get rid of her severe skin fold rash? Nothing seems to work!

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How can my mother get rid of her severe skin fold rash? Nothing seems to work!

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The doc may not be used to seeing a rash there. Its yeast rather than fungus although the treatment is the same. It’s called intertrigo. Candidal rash same as vaginal thrush. But when it’s really bad it can get a secondary bacterial infection as well. The doc should have taken a swab to be sure but if not I would agree to use over the counter cream for candida and may need some antibacterial too. This sounds gross but give it a sniff. If it’s bacterial it really stinks. If it smells more yeasty it’s just candida. If it is bright red, shiny, has fairly clear cut off where the skin fold ends and maybe has little round spots of satellite lesions it’s candida. You need to be sure and wash it clean twice a day if you can. Don’t use soap just warm water and maybe some non perfumed moisturiser. Then pat it dry really well. Then put the creams on. Nappy (diaper) creams are usually a barrier cream and, if medicated, will be antiseptic and maybe antifungal (aimed at candida). They usually are good. Lots of people have already said similar advice and I agree.
Having said all that there is one alternative to consider. Psoriasis. When this occurs in the skin folds and groins and between the legs it looks completely different from psoriasis elsewhere. It looks very similar to intertrigo. It’s known as flexural, inverse or intertriginous psoriasis, You can get this at any age and with no family history of psoriasis but it worth asking family to see if anyone has something that might have been psoriasis. Difficult to diagnose if you haven’t seen it before.
There is a really good website for skin things that has lots of great images and information. dermnetnz.org
Just remember that unless you live in New Zealand the treatments etc may not be exactly the same.

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My mom’s doctor prescribes her Nystatin powder twice daily and Fluconizole Tablets once per week for a month to clear it up. Works very time. She also said to keep it clean with daily showers, but my 94 year old mom refuses, and to wear a bra that lifts more, but she has kyphosis so there is only so much lifting that will help. Instead of waiting until it comes up again, the doctor wants to see her every 6 months for preventative care.

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I am large breasted and had no problems until after a shoulder surgery I had. It seemed like nothing worked until I changed my soap to Ivory bar soap. That helped to quell the burn for a bit but I needed something more. I changed my diet to less processed foods and kept using the Ivory and that cleared it up. I do notice that when I backslide on the processed foods the rash starts to creep back. I know you don't want to restrict her foods (it's hard!) but maybe switch out for healthier options.

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When we lived in a warm climate I had this problem often, under my Breasts. I found applying Desitin, like we use to use on baby’s bottoms for diaper rash worked. I also folded my husbands cotton hankies and put it under my bra. I never used anything else after trying so much. I just checked the name on the tube in my drawer and it is the CVS Drug Store brand, Diaper Rash Ointment 40% zinc oxide.

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Baby rash cream desitin. Used that on my baby's neck..we lived in Georgia and she had neck rash.

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I don't know if you can buy these products where you are but Dermol 500 lotion and Betnovate C cream work for me, please get them checked out before use as it could interfere with the medication that your mother is using but I have Hailey-hailey skin and it is painful
good luck

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It is yeast plain and simple. Try an over the counter cream sold for vaginal yeast infections.

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I have no specific suggestion, but the main thing is to keep the skin surfaces from being in contact with each other and to prevent any friction. You might try using extra wide rolled gauze ( be sure to choose the "fluffy" kind) that is used to wrap wounds on extremities like legs and arms. Layer the rolls of gauze lightly, back and forth, under breast or abdominal folds until there is enough to keep skin surfaces apart. Use enough so that the layers stay in place because of the weight of the breasts or abdominal folds alone...no tape, no ties! Some air circulation to the area is desirable. If your mom is active, these may need to be re-layered from time to time. And if these because very damp, replace with dry gauze. (you can let the damp gauze dry out for re-use as long as the "fluff" is maintained.). It may sound like a lot of work, but if you can manage it, you should see some improvement in a matter of days.

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My mom's doctor gave her a prescription powder, something that actually works on those folds. I'm sorry I can't remember what it was called!

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Yep. My dad has a big tummy fold. This works for him. Promise you there’s yeast and bacteria in all that sweat.
amazon or eBay. Get a couple of tubes of Medline Remedy Phytoplex anti fungal ointment. CLEAR one.
bathe area with gentle soap. Dry VERY well but don’t rub. We pack a hand towel under the fold and let it absorb all the moisture While we do something else.
Do NOT use zinc oxide anything. Won’t work here. After drying out put about 1/2 inch bead of ointment on your finger and gently smear it all over under the fold.
do this at least 3 times a week. It’s a miracle. My dad was bleeding and infected (bad nursing home care) and we cleared it all up with this. We keep doing it for maintenance and he’s had no more issues. It’s been awesome.
and for pressure sores, (Or any wound) forget zinc oxide. Use Hollister Restore Hydrogel. It’s the best! And of course rotate them into different positions.

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It's FINALLY cleared up after almost 3 months and many creams, ointments and powders. What seemed to do the trick was putting nothing on the raw rashes and simply letting it dry out. I cut out the pad in her Depends and used it between all her skin folds and inside elbows and groin. Mid-day I'd have her lay down and I'd "belt" up her tummy and let everything be exposed to the air to help it dry out.

Thanks again for everyones tips and idea's!

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Good for you! Very happy for you.

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Try the white diaper rash ointment. Comes in a blue and white tube. Desitin. It really works like a barrier and heals.

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Corn starch, I use it all the time underneath her hanging boobs. It does wonders. Just rub some with cotton.

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The physicians assistant may be wrong about it not being yeast. I weigh too much so I have several areas such as under the breast that can develop a yeast infection very easily in the summer. I apply athlete's foot cream to the areas after each shower to prevent it. Yeast infection is generally bright red, itchy and actually smells like bread making yeast.

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Apple cider vinegar and neosporin.

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How can my mother get rid of her severe skin fold rash? Nothing seems to work!

105 Answers

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