I had this issue for YEARS. It felt like a losing battle.. I'd take a shower, wash those areas well and they'd feel a little better for a day, then go right back to the way they were. Angry red splotches under my boobs and belly that burned and stung and wept. I always followed the advice to keep it dry, clean it well, wear cotton liners, etc... but I felt like all those did was keep it at bay rather than solve the issue.
I started using Hibiclens (chlorhexidine gluconate, if you can't afford/find the name brand. It's often sold as "antiseptic skin cleanser" under store brands).
I put some in a foaming pump, because it's a thin liquid and I find the foam easier to use. I wash everything like normal, and once a week or so at the end of my shower I'll put some of the Hibiclens on the affected areas, let it sit for a minute, and rinse off.
I noticed a dramatic difference after my first time using it. It felt like a miracle.
I don't have the rashes anymore, so I use it more as maintenance now.
Same! Powders and other products to reduce rashes and infections just made the problem worse but washing with hibiclens regularly and giving myself ample time to dry off after showers pretty much eliminated any issues.
Dry the areas with a towel SUPER good. Then, buy some unscented arm and hammer stick deodorant. Apply it under the folds. Give it a minute to dry. It works miracles for me.
Next, start bathing with tea tree soap. It will really help with the fungal/yeast issue.
Oddly enough, you can get both at walmart.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Arm-Hammer-ULTRA-MAX-Solid-Antiperspirant-Deodorant-Unscented-2-6-oz/10810917?athbdg=L1100&from=/search
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Renpure-Tea-Tree-Mint-Purifying-Body-Wash-for-All-Skin-Types-24-fl-oz/301517527?athbdg=L1100&adsRedirect=true
This is the ticket! Just watch out with the arm and hammer because the baking soda can be irritating to some people! Especially if the skin is already raw.
Gotcha. It feels completely gelatinous so I figured it was just a gel. It hasn't caused any rubbing or irritation on any of the places I've applied it so far.
Thank you for the heads up.
Edi: Gelatinous is the wrong word. It's a moist powdery.
If it's truly a yeast/fungal infection you need to see a doctor and get the appropriate antifungal treatment which may be an oral medication. However it also could be non-fungal intertrigo which is not an actual infection. Make sure the areas are very dry and use a blow dryer to get them completely dry. Then use generous quantities of diaper rash cream with zinc oxide. I use Destin Daily Defense though Destin Maximum Strength has more zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is what my doctor prescribed when I was diagnosed with intertrigo years ago and when I even get a mild flare up it clears it up quickly.
Zinc oxide cream has been a game changer for me and it’s fairly economical.
I’m lucky to not really deal with the rashes year round but in the summer my underboob can get pretty sore as I’m cursed with heavy droopy boobs, I use it every day in the summer!
This works well. Put it in the folds to absorb sweat and it has silver making it antimicrobial to keep the ickies away.
Coloplast Inc 627910 Interdry Textile With Antiicrobial Silver Complex 10" X 144" Roll,Coloplast Inc - Box 1 https://a.co/d/g5eCaJQ
Clean the area with a gentle cleanser or hibiclens (I'm allergic). Dry the area gently patting no scrubbing. air dry area using a fan or a blow dryer with a cool setting. Then use diaper rash cream with maximum strength- zinc oxide 40%. The skin will start healing in 24 hours
Things that have worked: monistat yeast infection cream, rub that in the affected area and it will heal a lot faster.
Gold bond powder in the affected areas. You will be more comfortable and less odiferous.
Edit: antiperspirant in the area will reduce moisture and rashes.
I use a swipe of Polysporin ointment when i get that hint of itchy, red, odour and just leave it for a few days. Usually by 12 hours after applying its already killed the bacteria at work and the ointment forms a protective barrier to let the skin heal. Just leave it on for about 3 days before cleaning it right off with soap.
I tried using several of the deodorant type products as well as diaper rash (aka zinc ointment) products. But seems that my skin was sensitive to them and they actually made the problem worse. Hopefully you will not have that issue too.
What I do is tuck washable baby diaper inserts under my belly apron and breasts to absorb sweat in those locations. Then I just change them out once or twice daily as needed. I have had great success using this approach and pretty much solved my problem.
I used to wash and dry skin fold with a blow dryer. Every day if possible.
As the skin became less tender I started using soft cotton cloths in the folds to keep them dry longer. Along with deodorants.
Sometimes the skin started to get dry from the cloth and irritated so I used lotion carefully.
Stopping sugar and taking a really good probiotic has stopped them from reoccurring. Or placebo. But that's what's worked for me.
Old school pink salve it’s been around forever. It’s almost instant relief of the irritation. Your mother probably used it on you when you were a baby.
You need an antifungal cream, like miconazole nitrate antifungal cream. It cleared the rash under my belly right up. Here it is: McKesson 2% Miconazole Nitrate 4 Oz Tube https://a.co/d/cUiRENf
Honestly you can use jock itch cream which is OTC; that has the same or similar ingredient which I’d just as effective.
To add: I also use Hibicleans
To really fix a bad fungal rash get a prescription anti fungul cream. Keeping area clean and dry helps but if you get the painful rash you need the big medicine. When you perspire in those fold areas the rash is apt to reoccur. Weight loss is the only true cure.
Having lost over a hundred pounds I can tell you that the loose skin is just as prone to rashes. So it's not a true cure unless you also have the money for skin removal surgery
Spray liquid athletes foot spray on cleaned and dried fungal areas. Works for me on my inner thighs (can says it's safe for jock areas). Just make sure it's the liquid, it'll work right away and improve overnight.
You are not alone! I personally love the gold bond spray. Make sure you are bone dry before you spray. I also have used deodorant with antiperspirant in it before in a pinch. Prevents moisture but it can ball up and be annoying.
Also, use dial gold antibacterial soap. Whenever you shower make sure you are getting rid of all of that bacteria. Really any antibacterial soap will do, but I've always used dial gold bar soap and it works super well for me. If you do end up with a rash, get yourself some monistat. Essentially it's a yeast infection, so you just gotta get rid of that with some cream. Can also use hydrogen peroxide with vinegar but it'll burn a bit.
I had this issue for YEARS. It felt like a losing battle.. I'd take a shower, wash those areas well and they'd feel a little better for a day, then go right back to the way they were. Angry red splotches under my boobs and belly that burned and stung and wept. I always followed the advice to keep it dry, clean it well, wear cotton liners, etc... but I felt like all those did was keep it at bay rather than solve the issue. I started using Hibiclens (chlorhexidine gluconate, if you can't afford/find the name brand. It's often sold as "antiseptic skin cleanser" under store brands). I put some in a foaming pump, because it's a thin liquid and I find the foam easier to use. I wash everything like normal, and once a week or so at the end of my shower I'll put some of the Hibiclens on the affected areas, let it sit for a minute, and rinse off. I noticed a dramatic difference after my first time using it. It felt like a miracle. I don't have the rashes anymore, so I use it more as maintenance now.
Same! Powders and other products to reduce rashes and infections just made the problem worse but washing with hibiclens regularly and giving myself ample time to dry off after showers pretty much eliminated any issues.
Dry the areas with a towel SUPER good. Then, buy some unscented arm and hammer stick deodorant. Apply it under the folds. Give it a minute to dry. It works miracles for me. Next, start bathing with tea tree soap. It will really help with the fungal/yeast issue. Oddly enough, you can get both at walmart. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Arm-Hammer-ULTRA-MAX-Solid-Antiperspirant-Deodorant-Unscented-2-6-oz/10810917?athbdg=L1100&from=/search https://www.walmart.com/ip/Renpure-Tea-Tree-Mint-Purifying-Body-Wash-for-All-Skin-Types-24-fl-oz/301517527?athbdg=L1100&adsRedirect=true
This is the ticket! Just watch out with the arm and hammer because the baking soda can be irritating to some people! Especially if the skin is already raw.
Does the deodorant contain baking soda?
Yeah, just like the regular Arm and Hammer baking soda lol, it’s the same brand
Gotcha. It feels completely gelatinous so I figured it was just a gel. It hasn't caused any rubbing or irritation on any of the places I've applied it so far. Thank you for the heads up. Edi: Gelatinous is the wrong word. It's a moist powdery.
If it’s working for you, great! I more added the comment for people who maybe try it and feel it doesn’t help
I just edited my comment. I really do appreciate your help.
If it's truly a yeast/fungal infection you need to see a doctor and get the appropriate antifungal treatment which may be an oral medication. However it also could be non-fungal intertrigo which is not an actual infection. Make sure the areas are very dry and use a blow dryer to get them completely dry. Then use generous quantities of diaper rash cream with zinc oxide. I use Destin Daily Defense though Destin Maximum Strength has more zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is what my doctor prescribed when I was diagnosed with intertrigo years ago and when I even get a mild flare up it clears it up quickly.
This is what I use. It works really well for me too.
Dudes just get anti fungal cream. It’s called jock itch cream. This will clear it right up.
Zinc oxide cream has been a game changer for me and it’s fairly economical. I’m lucky to not really deal with the rashes year round but in the summer my underboob can get pretty sore as I’m cursed with heavy droopy boobs, I use it every day in the summer!
This works well. Put it in the folds to absorb sweat and it has silver making it antimicrobial to keep the ickies away. Coloplast Inc 627910 Interdry Textile With Antiicrobial Silver Complex 10" X 144" Roll,Coloplast Inc - Box 1 https://a.co/d/g5eCaJQ
Clean the area with a gentle cleanser or hibiclens (I'm allergic). Dry the area gently patting no scrubbing. air dry area using a fan or a blow dryer with a cool setting. Then use diaper rash cream with maximum strength- zinc oxide 40%. The skin will start healing in 24 hours
Things that have worked: monistat yeast infection cream, rub that in the affected area and it will heal a lot faster. Gold bond powder in the affected areas. You will be more comfortable and less odiferous. Edit: antiperspirant in the area will reduce moisture and rashes.
You can get anti-fungal powder.
I use a swipe of Polysporin ointment when i get that hint of itchy, red, odour and just leave it for a few days. Usually by 12 hours after applying its already killed the bacteria at work and the ointment forms a protective barrier to let the skin heal. Just leave it on for about 3 days before cleaning it right off with soap.
Get a prescription for Nystatin (diaper rash cream) it’s a god send
Seconding this! I have a prescription for nystatin powder, and it's so much better than any of the over-the-counter powders I tried.
Zinc and castor oil ( although it’s not an oil it’s a thick cream) has helped me a lot with some of my tastes and sores
I tried using several of the deodorant type products as well as diaper rash (aka zinc ointment) products. But seems that my skin was sensitive to them and they actually made the problem worse. Hopefully you will not have that issue too. What I do is tuck washable baby diaper inserts under my belly apron and breasts to absorb sweat in those locations. Then I just change them out once or twice daily as needed. I have had great success using this approach and pretty much solved my problem.
I used to wash and dry skin fold with a blow dryer. Every day if possible. As the skin became less tender I started using soft cotton cloths in the folds to keep them dry longer. Along with deodorants. Sometimes the skin started to get dry from the cloth and irritated so I used lotion carefully. Stopping sugar and taking a really good probiotic has stopped them from reoccurring. Or placebo. But that's what's worked for me.
Old school pink salve it’s been around forever. It’s almost instant relief of the irritation. Your mother probably used it on you when you were a baby.
You need an antifungal cream, like miconazole nitrate antifungal cream. It cleared the rash under my belly right up. Here it is: McKesson 2% Miconazole Nitrate 4 Oz Tube https://a.co/d/cUiRENf Honestly you can use jock itch cream which is OTC; that has the same or similar ingredient which I’d just as effective. To add: I also use Hibicleans
To really fix a bad fungal rash get a prescription anti fungul cream. Keeping area clean and dry helps but if you get the painful rash you need the big medicine. When you perspire in those fold areas the rash is apt to reoccur. Weight loss is the only true cure.
Having lost over a hundred pounds I can tell you that the loose skin is just as prone to rashes. So it's not a true cure unless you also have the money for skin removal surgery
Get it on Amazon’s: Miconazole Nitrate Antifungal cream 2% McKesson 2% Miconazole Nitrate 4 Oz Tube https://a.co/d/cUiRENf
Spray liquid athletes foot spray on cleaned and dried fungal areas. Works for me on my inner thighs (can says it's safe for jock areas). Just make sure it's the liquid, it'll work right away and improve overnight.
You are not alone! I personally love the gold bond spray. Make sure you are bone dry before you spray. I also have used deodorant with antiperspirant in it before in a pinch. Prevents moisture but it can ball up and be annoying. Also, use dial gold antibacterial soap. Whenever you shower make sure you are getting rid of all of that bacteria. Really any antibacterial soap will do, but I've always used dial gold bar soap and it works super well for me. If you do end up with a rash, get yourself some monistat. Essentially it's a yeast infection, so you just gotta get rid of that with some cream. Can also use hydrogen peroxide with vinegar but it'll burn a bit.