What cream is used to treat intertrigo (inflammatory rash in the groin area)?

From the Guidelines

For treating a groin rash, I recommend using terbinafine 1% cream applied daily for 1 week, as it has been shown to have a mycological cure rate of approximately 94% 1. When treating a groin rash, it is essential to consider the potential cause of the rash, with fungal infections such as tinea cruris being a common culprit.

• Key considerations for treatment include:
  • Using an antifungal cream, with terbinafine 1% being a highly effective option 1
  • Applying the cream daily for 1 week, as this has been shown to be an effective treatment duration 1
  • Ensuring the area is clean and dry before application, to prevent further irritation and promote healing
• Additional measures to help manage the rash and prevent recurrence include:
  • Keeping the area dry and wearing loose cotton underwear
  • Changing out of damp clothing promptly, to reduce the risk of fungal growth
  • Avoiding scratching or further irritating the area, as this can exacerbate the rash and lead to further complications If the rash does not improve within two weeks, worsens, or is accompanied by fever or significant pain, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider, as alternative treatment may be necessary 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Uses temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to: eczema psoriasis poison ivy, oak, sumac insect bites detergents jewelry cosmetics soaps seborrheic dermatitis temporarily relieves external anal and genital itching

• Hydrocortisone cream can be used to treat a groin rash, as it temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes, including external anal and genital itching 2.
• It is recommended to use the cream only for the specified uses, and other uses should only be under the advice and supervision of a doctor.

From the Research

Treatment Options for Groin Rash

• Topical antifungal treatments are effective in treating tinea cruris, a fungal infection of the groin area 3.
• Terbinafine, naftifine, and clotrimazole are some of the topical antifungal treatments that have shown significant clinical cure rates compared to placebo 3.
• Azole drugs such as miconazole, clotrimazole, and ketoconazole are fungistatic, while allylamines and benzylamines such as terbinafine, naftifine, and butenafine are fungicidal 4.
• Fungicidal drugs are often preferred over fungistatic drugs for treatment of dermatophytic fungal infections, as they can provide high cure rates with shorter treatment durations 4.

Considerations for Treatment

• The choice of treatment may depend on the type of fungal infection, as well as the patient's preferences and cost considerations 4.
• Some antifungal creams may contain allergenic ingredients, such as propylene glycol, which can cause allergic contact dermatitis 5.
• Terbinafine hydrochloride 1% and clotrimazole 1% creams were found to contain the least number of potential allergenic ingredients among the four creams analyzed 5.

Special Considerations for Children

• Tinea cruris can be a troubling entity in children, particularly in high school-aged athletes who are prone to heat, humidity, and hyperhidrosis 6.
• Obesity and diabetes mellitus are additional risk factors for tinea cruris in adolescents, and treatment options range from improving hygiene to topical antifungal agents and systemic antifungal agents 6.