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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
If a yeast infection, sugar feeds it. So if she is a sugar lover, you may want to cut it out.
If you type "skin folds" into the site search you might find some other helpful posts.
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.
https://www.medicinenet.com/treatment_how_do_i_get_rid_of_intertrigo/article.htm
Never had problems with the tummy flap but I would have used Vaseline there as well.
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.