Intertrigo is a combination of infectious, mechanical, and inflammatory changes of the skin folds that can be recurrent and chronic. Friction between skin folds and increased moisture promote an irritated cutaneous environment that increases the chance of infection. The combination of these factors leads to an inflammatory process.
Historically, medium- to mild-potency topical steroids were prescribed for quick resolution of these inflammatory changes, but continued long-term therapy is sometimes required. This is not optimal because of atrophy and striae formation, especially in the intertriginous areas, associated with long-term topical steroid use. Thus, we used a nonsteroidal topical ointment, 0.1% tacrolimus, for 6 weeks in 10 patients with intertrigo.