It is also helpful to expose such areas to air and limit skin-on-skin friction as much as possible. In order to decrease friction as a predisposing factor, weight loss for individuals with obesity or reduction mammoplasty for large breasts is encouraged and recommended. To decrease the chance of worsening symptoms, a drying agent, such as baby powder, can be applied. Application of other barrier agents, such as zinc oxide or petrolatum, aids in the reduction of skin deterioration and alleviates itching and pain. Treatment
The most common treatment options of intertrigo complicated with secondary bacterial infection such as group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus are topical mupirocin (bactroban), erythromycin, low potency topical steroids like hydrocortisone 1% cream, and oral antibiotics (such as oral penicillin, cephalexin, ceftriaxon, cefazolin, and clindamycin). These broad-spectrum antibiotics are ideal in targeting bacterial agents due to the large number of microbiota on the human skin. Additionally, the low potency steroids aid in the reduction of the reaction, reducing discomfort to the patient. Drying agents, such as aluminum sulfate and talcum powder, may be used alongside other treatments to help the healing process to go faster. Although, if these agents are to be used, it is better to space them few hours apart. A hair drier could also be utilized on the affected area as intertrigo responds well to the removal of moisture. Age is an important factor to consider when dosing since intertrigo is prevalent amongst young children. Proper identification of etiology is required in order to treat optimally.
In view of the very poor cure rate with standard excision, some surgeons combine the two methods: surgical excision of the lesion, then three months treatment of the area with imiquimod cream. Studies seem to conflict about the level of certainty associated with using imiquimod.Another treatment to be considered where standard margins cannot be achieved or cosmetics are a major consideration is ultra-soft x-ray/grenz-ray radiation.In the very elderly or those with otherwise limited life expectancy, the impact of major day surgery for excision with 5mm margins and large skin flap could be worse than doing nothing or the possibility of failed treatments with imiquimod or Grenz ray. References
External links

 Media related to Lentigo maligna at Wikimedia Commons


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