15 Home Remedies for Intertrigo (Rash in The Skin Folds)

Our body have many areas where our skin folds. These locations are moist and wet which can cause yeast infection. Intertrigo is a skin rash which affects the folds of our skin. Women can suffer from intertrigo under breast which causes itching, redness and burning sensation. No age group or gender is isolated from this condition. Infants and toddlers skin is delicate and vulnerable towards infection. Fortunately there are effective home remedies for intertrigo to help you get rid of its symptoms.

What makes these red skin folds rash to appear? There are various factors which can lead to this condition. Some common causes of intertrigo are moisture from sweat, rubbing of skin under folds, accumulation of under arms powder or cosmetics and candida infection.
Candidal intertrigo is caused by a yeast infection. This happens typically due to candida germs. Generally they appear under the breast area, around the vaginal opening and in men private parts.

Some common symptoms of intertrigo are redness of skin under folds, itching, bleeding, chronic pain, burning sensation and irritation. Women can feel uncomfortable while wearing a bra with rashes under breast folds. It become tough to walk or sit if you are suffering from genital intertrigo. This skin infection is curable and natural cures are best treatment for intertrigo. These ingredients are all natural and have no side-effects until you are allergic to them.

Intertrigo Home Treatments

1. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antifungal properties which makes it an effective home remedy for intertrigo. Topical applications of this essential oil will provide relief from itching and pain. Tea tree oil eliminate candida infection and rejuvenate the skin cells.
According to a 2004 study, tea tree oil can effectively cure yeast infections by altering their cell membrane(1). It can provide relief from pain, redness and inflammation caused by candidal intertrigo.
For people with sensitive skin, you should take a patch test before using it on affected body folds. Apply a little amount on your wrist or thighs to make sure it does not irritates your skin.
How to use tea tree oil:

• Take one tablespoon of plain water.
• Add 5 drops of tea tree oil.
• Soak a cotton in this solution.
• Apply it direction on red rashes.
• Keep it on for 1-2 hours.
• Use this remedy 2-3 times in one day.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice which is widely used in curry. Ayurvedic medicines have been using turmeric as main ingredient to treat skin ailments naturally. It can help you get rid of rash under the breast.
Turmeric is an ancient herb with wide range of health benefits. It has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to its medicinal abilities turmeric is an effective intertrigo home treatment.
How to use turmeric:

• Take one tablespoon of turmeric root powder.
• Mix liberal amount of rosewater to make a paste.
• Apply this herbal paste on rashes.
• Let it get dry naturally for 1 hour.
• Rinse with plain water and pat dry.
• Use this remedy 2-3 times everyday.

3. Chamomile

Chamomile is another herb with antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It can provided relief from pain, irritation and redness caused by rash in skin folds.
Thanks to its medicinal properties, chamomile is an effective home remedy for intertrigo. If orally consumed as tea, chamomile aids digestion and help cure stomach infections. It is also beneficial for other skin ailments such as acne, itchy armpit rash, warts and eczema.
How to use chamomile:

• Pour one cup of water in a saucepan.
• Throw handful of dried chamomile leaves.
• Bring water to boil and let it simmer for 3 minutes.
• Strain it over a bowl and collect the water.
• Make a paste with the boiled leaves.
• Rinse skin folds with chamomile water.
• Then apply thick layer of chamomile paste.
• Keep it on for 30 minutes.
• Use this remedy 2 times daily to get rid of intertrigo naturally.

4. Garlic

Garlic is known to boost immune system strength and help cure rash of skin folds. It is a herb which contains an active compound called allicin. It has antifungal and antiseptic properties. Due to its health benefits garlic is an effective natural cure for intertrigo.
It will help eliminate candida and yeast infection by altering their cell membranes. Garlic will also provide relief from skin fold redness and itching. If you are taking medications for HIV then don’t use garlic because it can interact with the medicines.
How to use garlic to treat intertrigo at home:

• Make paste of 5-6 garlic pods.
• Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil.
• Apply a thin layer on your infected skin folds.
• It might sting initially, but eventually irritation will go away.
• Keep it on for 20-30 minutes.
• Rinse with plain water and pat dry.
• Apply some soothing ointment.
• Use this home remedy daily for several days.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar to Treat Intertrigo Naturally

Apple cider vinegar is obtained by processing organic apples. A study published in American Journal of Prosthodontics found that apple cider vinegar can eliminate candida and provide relief from irritating skin(2). It provide relief from symptoms like inflammation, redness and frequent itching.
It also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-yeast infection properties. Thanks to its health benefits, apple cider vinegar is an excellent intertrigo home treatment. You will need raw unfiltered ACV to get best results.

How to use apple cider vinegar:

• Take half cup of lukewarm water.
• Add 5 tablespoons of ACV.
• Rinse the infected skin folds with rashes.
• Now, soak a cotton ball in organic apple cider vinegar.
• Apply it directly on affected area.
• Keep it on for 15-20 minutes then wash with plain water.
• Use this home remedy daily to get rid of intertrigo.

6. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has soothing effect on irritated skin. It calm down itching and burning sensation and provide relief from pain. Aloe vera gel is an effective home remedy for intertrigo.
Topical uses of aloe vera will eliminate infection which provide relief from rashes. People have been using this herbal plant from centuries to cure rashes under breast. It has anti-fungal and antiseptic properties help inflamed skin and reduce redness.
How to use:

• Take one aloe vera leaf and soak it inside cold water for 10 minutes.
• Cut it open and take out all the gel.
• Apply a thick layer of this cold gel on rashes in the skin folds.
• Keep it for 10-15 minutes.
• Rinse with lukewarm water and dry with clean towel.
• Use this home remedy 2-3 times daily.

7. Salt Solution

The very salt which we use in our food for taste can help you cure intertrigo naturally. Common table salt chemical name is sodium chloride. Many studies found that our skin can absorb sodium chloride which trigger dryness. It can eliminate fungi and help cure candida infection.
If your rashes are bleeding then salt will sting badly. So make sure your are mentally prepared to handle the feeling of sting and acute irritation. Eventually these feelings goes away.
How to treat intertrigo with salt solution:

• Take one cup of lukewarm water.
• Mix 3 tablespoons of non-iodized salt.
• Stir well until the salt is dissolved completely.
• Rinse the affected area several times.
• After 10 minutes rinse again but with clean cold water.
• Pat dry and apply herbal moisturizer.
• Use this home treatment daily.

8. Lemon

Lemon is potent antifungal and antibacterial which makes it an excellent home treatment for intertrigo. If your rashes under skin folds are irritating then salt rinse and eating antibiotic foods can speed up the healing process.
Lemon is rich in vitamin C and has antioxidant properties. It help eliminate candida and reduce redness of skin. Lemon can be used topically or can be taken orally to boost immune.
How to use:

• Mix 3 tablespoons of lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder.
• Apply it on your rashes of skin folds.
• Leave it for 20 minutes.
• Rinse with cold water and pat dry.
• Use this natural remedy daily.

9. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is an excellent kitchen ingredient to soothe irritation and itching caused by rash of intertrigo. We have been eating oats due to its fiber rich nature. However oats are also good in treating intertrigo at home. It can prevent the outbreak of fungal infection. Women suffering from candida can also benefit from oatmeal.
A study published in 2015 found that oats has anti-inflammatory properties(3). Same study also found that it can help you treat dry skin caused by rashes.
How to use:

• Take 3 tablespoons of colloidal oats.
• Mix 2 tablespoons of rosewater and 1 teaspoon of lavender oil.
• Mix all of them to make thick paste.
• Apply this paste on your affected area.
• Keep it on for 15 minutes.
• Rinse with cold water and pat dry.
• Do this remedy daily until you recover completely.

10. Indian Lilac 

Neem and Margosa are some other common names used for Indian Lilac. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties which help eliminate infection. Thanks to its medicinal benefits, Indian lilac is an excellent home remedy to treat intertrigo naturally. Topical application of Indian lilac can provide relief from irritation and burning sensation.
How to use:

• Take handful of neem leaves.
• Crush them to make thick paste.
• Add 3 drops of tea tree oil.
• Apply it on rashes and keep it on for 30 minutes.
• Rinse with water and pat dry.
• Alternatively, you can directly apply Indian lilac oil on affected area.
• Use cotton balls to remove the oil.
• Do this remedy daily until your rashes go away.

11. Olive Oil

Olive oil is a rich source of vitamin E which is great for skin moisturizing and nourishment. Vitamin E prevent dryness of skin and soothe irritation. It promotes healthy dermis and trigger skin rejuvenation. People have been using vitamin E for reducing inflammation and itching caused by infectious rashes.
How to use:

• For best results get your hands on extra virgin olive oil.
• Apply some olive oil on affected area.
• Keep it on for 1 hour and rinse with clean water.
• Try this intertrigo home treatment daily to clear rashes naturally.

12. Baking Soda

Baking soda has bleaching properties which help inhibit bacteria and fungus outbreak. It has antibacterial, anti-flaking and antifungal properties. Baking soda is another excellent home remedy for intertrigo. It help treat rashes under skin folds and provide relief from burning sensation.
Topical use of baking soda on bleeding rash can sting. Don’t worry the feeling will go away eventually. Baking soda regulates the pH level of skin which makes it difficult for candida to survive.
How to use:

• Take 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
• Mix liberal amount of rosewater to make paste.
• Apply thick layer of paste on infected under breast.
• Leave it on for 15 minutes under natural air.
• Rinse with cold water and pat dry.
• Use this home treatment daily until you get rid of itching and burning.

13. Shea Butter

Thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, Shea butter can be used as an effective home remedy for intertrigo. Its soothing abilities can reduce irritation and inflammation of skin caused by infection in your skin folds. Shea butter eliminate the microbe by killing them and increase healing speed.
How to use:

• Take one cup of lukewarm water and add 2 tablespoons of non-iodized salt.
• Rinse your affected skin folds to disinfect the rashes followed by clean water rinse.
• Pat dry with clean towel and leave it in open air for 10 minutes.
• Apply some Shea butter on affected area.
• Leave it on for 20 minutes then rinse with water.
• Use this remedy daily until it clear rashes.

14. Cold Compress

Cold compress provides relief from burning and itching sensation. The cooling effects take care of irritation and reduce inflammation. Using cold compress can speed up the healing process and help you recover faster. Cold compress is suitable to treat symptoms of intertrigo because it does not eliminate bacterial or fungal outbreak.
Cold compress will prevent formation of blisters in skin folds and reduce redness. People use this method as first aid to treat intertrigo flare ups.
How to use:

• Soak a cotton cloth in cold water.
• Wring out excessive water.
• Apply it directly on your skin folds.
• Alternatively, you can keep ice cubes under your breast rash.
• Keep these ice cubes until they melt down completely.
• Repeat it twice a day to treat intertrigo naturally.

15. Coconut Oil

The soothing coconut oil reduces friction between skin folds and work as natural remedy for intertrigo. It help reduce redness and irritation caused by scaling of dermis. The antifungal abilities of coconut oil keep check on bacterial outbreak.
Coconut oil is rich source of essential fatty acids which moisturizes skin folds. These fatty acids are responsible for balancing healthy pH level of area under breast, underarms and genitals.

• Take 1 tablespoon of frozen coconut oil.
• Place it between your skin folds.
• Alternatively, you can rub the frozen oil in circular motion.
• After 15 minutes rinse with cold water.
• Use this natural remedy 2 times in a day.

What are the Risk Factors of Intertrigo

• Diabetics are more prone to skin fold rash than any other person. You need to contact doctor for proper diagnosis.
• Babies and infants are at higher risk of skin infections.
• People who sweats a lot have moist underarms and skin folds.
• Moist area under breast is at higher risk of yeast infection.
• Hot weather typically in summer.
• Physically active people who don’t take shower, invite bacteria and fungus to their skin folds.
• Cold weather also trigger skin fold rashes. Private areas such as breast and genitals are warm and moist which can cause skin ailments.

How Long Does it Take for Intertrigo to Go Away

First of all keep your body dry to increase the recovery time. Keeping your skin folds dry will reduce the chances of infection. To boost your immune to recover infection internally, drink turmeric milk. Mix 1 tablespoon of roasted turmeric powder in one glass of warm milk. Drink this before going to bed.
The recovery time varies upon the severity of rash. It your skin is torn and you are bleeding then home remedies can take up-to 4 weeks to treat intertrigo completely.
Patients of diabetes should not use intertrigo home treatment. You need to talk to your doctor. These remedies may interact with diabetes medications. However, for diabetic patients it can take up-to 6 weeks for complete recovery.
For women who are suffering from rashes under breast can recovery in less than 3 weeks. You must keep the infected area dry and wear breathable cloth. Try to sleep without bra to avoid moisture.

How to Prevent Recurrent Intertrigo under skin folds

• Avoid cosmetic products which sting the intertrigo rash.
• If you have sweaty feet and palms then keep the dry with handkerchief.
• Apply lubricating gels in skin folds to avoid friction.
• Wear cotton cloth so that air can pass.
• Exfoliate your skin once in a month to remove dead cells.
• Wear breathable underwear to keep private parts dry.
• Overweight people should try to lose weight.
• Obese people have large abdominal skin folds (panniculus), losing weight will reduce these folds and help prevent intertrigo.
• Eat clean and healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid spicy and junk food.
• Use antifungal cream on intertrigo to speed up the healing process.

Final Thoughts on Intertrigo Home Treatment

These remedies are natural and comes with no side-effect benefits. If you are allergic to any remedy which is listed above then don’t use. However, many people have found that tea tree oil is effective natural cure for rashes under breast. Women are more prone to get infected with rashes around vaginal opening and lower breast. These areas are always moist and candida is one the major cause of skin ailments. Candidal intertrigo is very common in women which affects breast, vaginal opening and anal area.

So now you know how to treat intertrigo naturally. So make sure to keep your body folds clean and dry. Not every skin fold rash is intertrigo, for proper medications get your self checked by a dermatologist. Take shower every day and clean your private parts. Use these home remedies for intertrigo daily to treat rash of skin folds. Women who suffer from candida are at higher risk of getting this infection. So eat probiotic to maintain balance between good bacteria and bad bacteria.

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