How can my mother get rid of her severe skin fold rash? Nothing seems to work!

I would use witch hazel several times a day and see if that doesn't clear it up.

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.

Luz (DW) had the fungal infection under her breasts. ER gave meds to clear the infection and the LaMaze bras kept it dry. I still used creams and Vaseline under there to keep her dry. Worked great.
Never had problems with the tummy flap but I would have used Vaseline there as well.

It is interesting that he said it wasn't a fungal issue? Because as you were speaking all I could think is fungal. What sometimes happens is that people use antibiotic cream and it kills good and bad bacteria, leaving things open to fungal. Then they use antifungals and the opposite happens. This can happen even in animals, sometimes dogs get this going on bare tummies. I would try an antifungal for a few days, just the over the counter ones such as monistat cream. It may initially turn red and burn for a day, but if a fungus it would cure it within 5 days. If it is the same, you have just PROVED that your MD was correct all along, but no harm done. Important thing if that doesn't work is basically keeping it dry as you can, sometimes with a small gauze tucked in.

Hi Susie. Been there with my Mom with both breasts and tummy fold. The breasts started years ago. Applied anti fungal cream per Dr for a week and gone. Now use powder Every day to keep the area dry. Two months ago the tummy fold had same issue for the first time. I applied the anti fungal cream again and gone in a week and powder used now. Good luck. I hope you can get your Mom feeling better soon.

Have you tried Desitin? If Destin or a similar diaper rash paste doesn't work, go with an OTC anti-fungal. A dermatologist can tell you for sure (that's who recommended the Destin for the painful, cracked skin under my breasts).

https://www.medicinenet.com/treatment_how_do_i_get_rid_of_intertrigo/article.htm

Okay don’t laugh but in Louisiana there is a product called Boudreaux’s Butt Paste. You can order it online. Mom’s home health care nurse swore by it.

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.

Probably a fungus/yeast type rash. Try OTC Miconazole cream, foot fungus spray. Physician can prescribe ketoconazole shampoo To wash with. Nursing sees this at assisted living/skilled nursing frequently. Talc and creams will Temporarily relieve but anti fungal/yeast will get rid of for months at a time. If severe it can require an antibiotic.

I'm thinking it's something fungal too. We were told by mom's nurse to use a silicone barrier cream - Barriere by Wellskin.
If you type "skin folds" into the site search you might find some other helpful posts.

Get rid of the rash with fungal infection, then use the barrier cream.

My Mom suffered from yeast infection rashes. I would not use powder. Mom had to wear a bra. Hers broke out when it was skin on skin. When she baths you must make sure that she is really dry in those areas. Mom used cornstarch in place of powder. When she started to look red, even in the fold, I would use Desitin like suggested. It does not wear off like some creams. There is a deodorant our aide swore by that helped. It starts with an A and I found it in Walgreens. I think its a roll on. Have a message into her.

If a yeast infection, sugar feeds it. So if she is a sugar lover, you may want to cut it out.

Blow affected areas dry with a hair dryer before applying anything. If you put something moist on before blow drying, the skin will stay damp and that’s a big no-no.
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.

Please make sure you are washing her bras, knickers and any other clothing that comes in contact with these areas with Borax. I would give the clothes a good soak in a pail of hot water and Borax for an hour or so, then dump the pail, water clothes and all into your washing machine. If it is a yeast or fungal infection, if the clothes are not treated, you will just be reinfecting her.

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.

Take her to a dermatologist for some cultures of what's growing in there. If you can't get a dermatologist to examine her in person, ask her permission and take some pictures on your phone.

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!

I'm assuming you checked for shingles--right? That can cause horrible blistered rashes that can last for months. And the itching is unbearable (and I caught it on day 2 and still had it for 6 weeks--but not that badly--still--ugh)

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.

Just got message from former aide. It was Almay deoderant fragrance free. And usually found on a bottom shelf. She swears by it.

Have you tried a good quality coconut oil?

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

I have thought about using a hair dryer but dismissed the thought from my mind - I'd be fired so hard I'd be in outer space, and anyway even if that hadn't occurred to me I'd still be extremely cautious if trying it on older, fragile skin. Low setting, not too close, and if mother finds it unpleasant stop immediately.

You may also find that the warmth actually increases or triggers itching. Tread carefully.

Agree that the rash could be a fungal infection or yeast...could be treated as Bridger has said: OTC Miconazole Cream.

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.

Someone might have mentioned already, but I'd put an absorbent paper or cloth barrier in that area when you're mother is going to be in her chair, to absorb any moisture and keep the folds from rubbing on each other. You can hopefully prevent it from reoccurring that way.

You could put some medicine on them, too, like big bandages.

Going with:
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.

My mom and aunt have terrible issues with rashes like this. My aunt swears by daily use of desitin on her upper thighs. If the rash is red and the skin is open her doctor needs to see it. She may need prescription cream for a bacterial infection.
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.

Thank you so much everyone for your suggestions! I am going to print this all out so I can remember them! It never even occurred to me it could be shingles?! She did get the shingles shot a few years back though...

An alcohol wipe works. Burns like heck but then it’s all better.
Gold Bond powder. Doesn’t smell great but it works.
Nystatin. Comes in cream and powder.

Wash the area, dry it, use antifungal powder or cream prescription strength Then cover with paper towel so skin Folds do not touch each other. Wash all her underclothes with bleach and hot water and rinse twice. Change out the paper towels daily or more depending on how much moisture is there. Do this till skin cracks heal then you can move on the moisture barrier creams to prevent this from happening. This happens a lot when woman do not wear bras so I suggest she wears one and while cracks in skin are still there she should change bra and underware daily.

In regards to shingles. I think the rash only occurs on one side of the body. So if mom’s rash is under both breast it would not be shingles. I know you’ve already ruled out shingles based on pictures but good to know.

My Moms problem was like an allergy rash. Itchy. Better to prevent than to cure. She always wore a Cotton bra maybe Cotton/polyester but it breathed. As long as she wore it, there were no problems. Once you can get rid of it, as soon as you see any redness start putting on the creams or whatever you found that worked. I used Desitin because I had it left over from caring for grandson. I used it as soon as I saw red and it happened to work. Everyone is different. Skin sensitivity is different. I would shy away from powders. They get caked and cause irritation. I actually thought the hairdryer thing was great.

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 think the PA is wrong. It wouldn't hurt to try an antifungal like Nystop, cuz it sounds like a yeast infection.
I would take your mother to a dermatologist and go from there.

Lots of good answers here. I'll echo those who suggested vinegar or witch hazel. When my mom was in her 70's, she used to get the rash in the summer months, and she'd tuck a paper towel saturated with vinegar into the fold, leaving it there for several hours a day. After about a week, she'd clear up, and just wipe the area daily as a preventive. In later years, when her skin became more sensitive, I would soak cotton balls in witch hazel and dab the area gently.

My mom in-law who was 89 frequently got rashes under her breasts and tummy... we made sure the area was very thoroughly dried after showers and on warm days asked her to wipe with a small soft towel frequently. I would say do use an anti fungal cream as well for sure.. sometimes it’s not a strong enough infection but it’s there to cause irritation and rashes . At least that’s what we experienced . Good luck

My dermatologist gave me a prescription for Hydrocortisone Ointment USP 2.5. And although you can't use it for a prolonged time, it does work almost immediately!