Mom has had a severe skin fold rash under her breasts and tummy fold for about 2 months now. She has never in her life had this. We've tried talc, wound care balm, anti-chaffing ointment, Lidocane cream for the pain, putting things between the folds to absorb moisture and putting nothing on it to see if it clears up and nothing is helping. My poor mother is in so much pain from this as her skin is shedding and cracking open. Her Physician Assistant has seen her and those were the things he said to try and said it wasn't a fungal issue. What she really wants is a tummy tuck and double mastectomy, but at 83 that'd probably be too traumatic of a procedure.
She is in a wheelchair so her tummy is always folded over onto her lap. She's not obese (160 lbs) but could lose some weight, but would still have the extra skin anyway. At her age, and the COVID isolations, the last thing I want to do is take away her treats.
Has anyone have any idea's that we haven't done yet to clear this up? Thanks!
My dads doctor said keeping it dry is the biggest challenge and most important thing to do.
Clean the areas with warm water, dry and spray with witch hazel, rub in and let it air dry. It has been around for decades and really works.
Never had problems with the tummy flap but I would have used Vaseline there as well.
https://www.medicinenet.com/treatment_how_do_i_get_rid_of_intertrigo/article.htm
It’s similar to Desitin but a bit stronger.
Best wishes to you and your mom.
If needed ask your doctor about a good wound care specialist. Or maybe even a dermatologist.
If you type "skin folds" into the site search you might find some other helpful posts.
If a yeast infection, sugar feeds it. So if she is a sugar lover, you may want to cut it out.
After blow drying a thin piece of dry cotton cloth placed between the two flaps can increase comfort also- a man’s cotton handkerchief works fine.
Change the cotton cloth often.
A mild vinegar solution, 1/4 cup white vinegar to 3/4 cup warm water, gently dabbed on the areas will help clear it up too. Dab it on, allow to dry.
I am a busty 40 I was the size of my last bra, and also get hot flashes. I struggle with rashes under by breasts. Doing the above keeps the worst of it at bay. I have a friend who puts pieces of paper towel under the folds after she bathes. It does a great job of absorbing the extra moisture.
Meanwhile continue to clean the area (use an emollient cream *as* soap, not on top of, and wash and rinse as normal) and *thoroughly* dry it, always using a clean towel (obvious I know, but you'd be surprised). I'm sorry it hasn't worked but I'd still try to keep the skin surfaces apart with clean muslin or clean cotton jersey (or, if it's not unaffordable, you might like to get some silk underwear for her to try? Not satin glamour, I mean the type mountaineers use).
With larger persons, if I can do it tactfully, I suggest they lie down after their shower so that it's easier for them to get *properly* dry. I encourage them to dry what they can, then I go over any areas they can't reach. This isn't just because of skin folds, though - it is also extremely difficult to do a good job of drying if your balance and your suppleness aren't all they were.
Don't despair - I've seen some rashes 😱 that looked dreadful but cleared up very fast once they were got in hand.
PS Don't take away her treats!
The idea of a tummy tuck/breast lift needs to be off the table completely. Those are both horrifically painful. And bring with them their own set of issues.
I have used Monistat and found it to work well. Also The Butt Paste. It's a trial and error kind of thing.
Keeping clean and dry--be sure you are washing towels and clothes in fragrance free detergent and NO dryer sheets.
The benefits of using coconut oil for the skin are varied and may include:
moisturizing dry skin, including in people with conditions such as eczema reducing inflammation, which may result from UVB rays promoting wound healing
antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
Some preliminary research supports these benefits. However, more investigation is necessary to confirm them.
One study found that coconut oil might help prevent and treat rashes, such as atopic dermatitis. Another study showed that coconut oil extract could improve the barrier function of the skin and reduce inflammation due to UVB rays.
Research on coconut oil has also suggested that the oil may have antibacterial properties, even when people use it on the skin. Cellular studies indicate possible antifungal and antiviral capabilities, too.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/coconut-oil-good-for-skin#benefits
Just a thought,
Jenna
You may also find that the warmth actually increases or triggers itching. Tread carefully.
I have wondered if a blow dryer spreads germs. I understand how they can dry up dampness but look at the results of the hand dryers in public bathrooms. Studies have shown how germs are flying all over the place.
So, I totally agree it should be used with caution. Some people have had good results though. It’s trial and error with a lot of things.
Return or report to the PA, (or see a doctor) that she still has the rash. Referral to a dermatologist may get a proper diagnosis, and the better treatment if it is shingles.
The main ingredient in the Butt paste is 40% Zinc Oxide. A good place to start, and is also the ingredient in Desitin Ointment, which is also the max. 40% zinc oxide.
If you want to start simple, be sure to wash all her clothes in laundry detergent "FREE" of dyes, perfumes, etc. Rinse well, and discontinue any additives like fabric softener. Have you changed detergents recently? My own sheets and towels must be "FREE" of chemicals also. Start there.
It could be as simple as a HEAT RASH. Heat rash (miliaria) occurs when your sweat glands become blocked and sweat can’t be excreted through the pores. Instead, the sweat pools under your skin, causing inflammation and a rash.
The best treatment is to cool off. Heat rash happens mainly when you sweat more than normal because of heat and humidity. Heat rash usually clears up without treatment.
It could be, if she has been taking antibiotics, a Candidiasis infection. There is also oral medication for this. To return to health, a balance of good bacteria needed to keep this fungus at bay needs to be re-established. imo.
You could put some medicine on them, too, like big bandages.
I would try some more. Sorry it's such a persistent rash. Seems like you're doing all the right things.
Candidiasis
Candidiasis is caused by the same yeasts, or fungi, that cause vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush infections, and diaper rash. These fungal infections often occur in babies, people with illnesses that affect their immune system, and people who are taking antibiotics.
Candida yeasts thrive in the moist, warm environment under the breasts. They cause a rash that often develops uncomfortable blisters and small cracks. Like many other rashes, candidiasis can be very itchy.
Antifungal creams are used to treat candidiasis. If the infection is more widespread, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medications to be taken by mouth. It’s also important to keep your skin dry.
Mom swears by Monistat Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel | Anti Chafe Protection | 1.5 OZ
She uses it everyday.
Wash areas twice a day with soap and warm water using a baby wipe. Pay dry gently.
Get mom to eat yogurt everyday. A high sugar diet increases risk of yeast.
Gold Bond powder. Doesn’t smell great but it works.
Nystatin. Comes in cream and powder.
Soap wise I would not use Ivory. It actually dries the skin out. Caused more problems for my Dads rash which had to do with his water pills and the sun. I would not use Dove because of the cream in it. I would use a deodorant soap like Dial but I liked Lever brothers.
I would take your mother to a dermatologist and go from there.