Intertrigo is a chronic inflammatory condition of approximating or opposing skin surfaces (intertriginous skin) such as the axillae, groin, inframammary folds, abdominal folds, and/or labiocrural folds. Clinically, there is erythema and sometimes maceration, erosions, or fissuring. The affected areas may itch or burn. Intertrigo is most frequently seen in individuals who are overweight or obese and/or diabetic. It is induced or exacerbated by any conditions causing increased heat, wetness, and friction. It may be worse during hot and/or humid weather. Incontinence is a predisposing factor in intertrigo of the perineum and crural folds. There is no ethnic or sex predilection. Intertrigo is seen more frequently at the extremes of age.

Intertrigo is often complicated by superficial skin infection with yeast or bacteria. In candidal intertrigo, the presence of outlying satellite papules and/or pustules is diagnostic.

Differentiate intertrigo from cellulitis on the basis of symptoms (itch or burning with intertrigo, pain with cellulitis) and symmetry (intertrigo often occurs symmetrically, whereas cellulitis is unilateral).