Streptococcal Intertrigo

Streptococcal Intertrigo infection of the groin
Source: Derm Atlas

Streptococcal Intertrigo

Streptococcal Intertrigo is the bacterial infection of the skin folds, caused by a species of bacteria, called streptococci. The skin folds are those include the armpits, the groin, the back of ear, the under of the breast, the buttock's cleft and between fingers and toes. Obese people may have other special skin folds other than those due to thick fatty layer under the skin. Intertrigo is characterized by the presence of painful fissures at the angles of these folds.

Symptoms

The symptoms of streptococcal Intertrigo include the presence of longitudinal fissures in the skin at the angle of the skin folds. These fissures are sometimes surrounded by red and moist skin. In some cases, crusts may be seen.

Treatment

The treatment of streptococcal Intertrigo depends mainly on the usage of anti-septic solutions. These solutions help soothe the area and remove the bacteria that cause the infection. However, sometimes systemic anti-biotics are indicated. Penicillin (Penicillin V) is the drug of choice against streptococcal infections, as it is very powerful in fighting these species of bacteria. In some patients, hypersensitivity to penicillin is present, and sometimes the bacteria themselves become resistant to penicillin. In this case, erythromycin (Erythrocin) is indicated to eliminate the infection.