Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Intertrigo

Intertrigo causes red, irritated patches where skin touches skin and stays warm or moist. Keeping the area dry and aired helps, but a fungal or bacterial infection may need treatment.

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Intertrigo causes red, irritated patches where skin touches skin and stays warm or moist. Keeping the area dry and aired helps, but a fungal or bacterial infection may need treatment.

  • Red or darker, shiny skin in a fold.
  • Burning, itching, tenderness or pain.
  • Wash with lukewarm water or an unperfumed product and pat carefully dry.
  • Allow air into the fold and wear loose, breathable clothing.
  • Call the same day for fever, pus, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain or red streaks.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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ErythrasmaErythrasma is a superficial bacterial skin infection, usually in warm, moist skin folds such as the groin, armpits and between the toes. The patch is often reddish-brown, clearly defined and finely scaly. It resembles a fungal infection but needs different treatment; examination with a Wood's lamp may reveal a coral-red glow.
A
Athlete's footAthlete's foot is a superficial dermatophyte infection, usually between the toes or on the sole and edges of the foot. Scaling, cracks and itching often respond to a topical antifungal and keeping the skin dry, but eczema and bacterial infections can look similar. A warm foot with rapidly spreading redness, pus, fever or a wound in someone with diabetes needs prompt assessment.
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EczemaEczema is a collective term for skin inflammation with itching, redness, scales, bumps, cracks or weeping patches. The right approach depends on the type and cause. Daily moisturising often helps; pain, pus, fever or rapid spread need medical assessment.