Mom has recently developed a rash under her tummy folds/in groin area/bottom. It appears to be intertrigo. In similar posts many recommend Desitin/zinc oxide. Frequent washing and drying of the area is also recommended. After applying zinc oxide to the area I tried washing it off my hands with soap and water but it wouldn’t come off. It took rubbing it off with a towel. I’m afraid rubbing the area for my mom will break the skin! Some of the areas are already cracked and so red. If I leave the Desitin there how can the skin be cleaned?
I will contact her doctor but it’s currently the weekend.
Many also recommend applying nothing and just letting the area dry. We will try to do this but Mom has had back surgery and does not lie flat in a bed. She stays full time in a lift chair. (She can get up and down and uses a walker to walk).
My other questions is whether there’s anything that can gently keep the stomach folds lifted—like a bra does for breasts?
Any advice is welcome!
I’m not her full time care giver but I am worried about her. :(
To get it off, soap and water. If it all does not come off do not worry about it. clean the area as best as you can. Excess will eventually come off. It will either come off on clothing or slough off as the skin sheds.
My Husband used to develop a rash like you are describing in the skin folds. The Hospice Nurse ordered Nystatin Powder and that worked well. The rash might be due to fungal (yeast) infection.
Keoconazole cream. We use soft baby wipes with soap & water to wash off excess cream before applying fresh cream. Keep the area dry. We have used gauze 4X4's and tucked into skin folds, left there to keep area dry.
For the days there are no rashes she uses gold bond powder. Daily inspection is needed on all fold areas to stay on top of these rashes. They can get bad fast.
Prayers.
Have you done a forum search on skin folds?
https://www.agingcare.com/search?term=skin+folds
Using cleansing spray specially formulated to clean urine and feces every time she goes will also help to clear up her skin conditions. Nystatin cream (perscription) or Nystatin powder is like a miracle for these conditions.
I the above mentioned stores do not carry it, any farm sales will have it in their
inventory.
You may think I'm senile, but try it, you might like it.
Naomi Hartness
See All Answers