Intertrigo: Skin Fold Rashes: Causes, Ayurvedic Treatment, Remedies

Appearance of rashes in skin folds is very common. It may be seasonal in some people. Usually Pitta body type persons suffer more with these rashes as they sweat more. So also obese people. 

Medically, this condition is called Intertrigo.
It may appear in any skin folds that rub together and trap moisture.
It may be a feature which transits for few hours in few individuals or else it may remain as a life long suffering in a few.
The rashes appear like urticaria or allergic rashes.

Commonly affected areas

The most common areas affected by Intertrigo
Usually it include larger skin-folds like-
Armpits, Beneath the breasts
Genital area, Abdomen, Neck folds/creases
Between toes, inner thighs, groin
Between the buttocks, back of the knee etc.

Features, causes

Characteristic features of  Intertrigo lesions
Red, brown rashes, with itching and oozing
Bad odour from rashes with dusting or powdering appearance.

Causes for Intertrigo
As this complaint is  an inflammatory condition it may be caused and worsened by following factors. These are-
Moisture, heat, lack of air circulation.
Accumulation of sweat, urine etc.

Risk factors

Risk factors for Intertrigo
Obese people, diabetic people, immobilized patients, patients wearing bandages, people living in hot and humid regions.

Ayurvedic understanding

Ayurvedic understanding about Intertrigo:
Paridagdha is the condition explained in Vaidyasara sangraha resembles with the features of Intertrigo. According to this, Pitta in association with Kapha leads to production of kleda (moist) in the  clefts (skin folds) and being the involvement of Rasa (in the site of skin) it leads to the manifestation of burning associated itching in skin folds. Often paka (ulceration/abrasion) and itching may also found in this condition as per the author Narasimha soori.

Do’s and dont’s

Do’s and Don’ts in Paridagdha (Intertrigo):
Thorough bathing/cleansing/surface wash followed by during is of utmost importance in intertrigo. The skin should be kept dry and cool. Tight wearing and tight shoes or clothing are to be avoided. Wearing of inner-wear should provide maximum comfort. Open-toed shoes are beneficial in case if finger webs are affected.
Wearing cotton cloths help to absorb the moisture and keep the skin folds free of rashes.
A good control over diabetes helps to reduce the occurrence of intertrigo.
Taking less of non veg, onion and garlic would cause lesser body odour.
Keeping a tab on weight is useful to avoid skin folds of abdomen and thighs.
Applying talcum powder regularly is useful.

Line of treatment

Line of treatment for Intertrigo(Paridagdha)
Pitta-kaphahara remedies are recommended in this treatment. The drugs possessing Raktashodhaka, Raktaprasadana and Twak prasadana followed by Vranaropana are advocated by experts.Both internal and external medications which have the Twakprasadana (clearing the skin surface) are advised.

Single herbs

Single drugs useful in Paridagdha (Intertrigo):
Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus)-being blood purifier and coolant appreciated in this condition.
Manjishtha (Rubia cardifolia)-It is a blood purifier. It contributes significantly in enhancing complexion too.
Turmeric – Haridra (Curcuma longa)-Natural skin detox.It contributes in enhancing the complexion and lusture.
Licorice – Yashtimadhu (Glycciriza glabra)-Natural detoxifier and surface coolant.
Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa)-Astringent skin tonic.
Sandalwood – Chandana (Santalum album)-Clearing agent of the skin and Rasa-Raktadhatu.
Amla – Amalaki(Emblica officinalis)-Natural skin toner, detox and rejuvinator.
Neem – Nimba(Azadirachta indica)-Blood detoxifier,liver stimulant, cholegogue and natural cleanser.

Ayurvedic formulations

Ayurvedic formulations useful in Paridagdha (Intertrigo):
Haridrakhanda rasayana
Sarivadyasava
Sarivadyavaleha
Chandanasava
Panchanimba choorna – Pancha Nimba Choornam is an Ayurvedic medicine in herbal powder form. It is used in the treatment of eczema, psoriasis, sinus, fistula, diabetes, etc. This product is also called Panchanimbadi Churna.
Mahamnjishthadi kashaya
Raktashodhaka kashaya
Kaishora guggulu
Triphala guggulu
Phalatrikadi kashaya
Parpatakarishtha
Paripathadi kadha etc

Oils for regular massage:
Eladi taila
Manjishtadi taila
Nalpamaradi taila – Nalpamaradi Oil is an Ayurvedic oil used in the treatment of skin diseases with itching such as eczema. This oil is formulated based on Kerala Ayurveda principles.

Last drop
Now- a- days we get the name of several diseases which were not mentioned even in recent past medical books also. It does not mean that such diseased conditions did not exist before.

It suggests only the factor that serious considerations have been started and super specializations have identified the subtle derangements also in a skillful way. Whereas the references of classical Ayurveda are ever green and their thinking and ideologies are coming true only in recent days. It indirectly gives us inference that the strength of Ayurveda is not yet unearthed and intertrigo is one such context. If you want to add up your views click here below in the comment.