A DOCTOR has issued a warning over nasty issue caused by underwear that could flare up in hot weather.
The NHS medic, who goes by Doctor Sooj on social media, shared the warning as the weather continues to heat up – and revealed the best way to avoid the issue.
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The 33-year-old, who has 266,000 followers online, explained that a skin lesion in the groin region is a sign that you need to switch to a new type of underwear to eliminate uncomfortable friction.
“One of the worst cases I saw was a patient with obesity who developed severe intertrigo in the groin,” Doctor Sooj, from Hertfordshire, said.
“The skin was red, raw, and had started oozing with signs of bacterial infection.
“They were having some difficulty with mobility because of the pain in their groin, and ended up needing antibiotics and antifungal treatment.
Read more on summer health
“This stuff can seem minor, but when it flares badly, it can have a huge impact on daily life.”
And with the temperatures set to rise later this week, it’s more important than ever to try and avoid the issue.
Doctor Sooj explained: “We see more cases in warmer and more humid months.
“Warmer weather means more sweat and moisture, especially in skin folds.
“That creates the perfect environment for friction, irritation, and fungal infections like intertrigo – so it definitely spikes in summer.
“It’s really common in armpits and under breasts as well as the groin.
“If these rashes – specifically intertrigo – aren’t managed properly, it can break down the skin barrier and become secondarily infected, either with bacteria or fungi.
“This can lead to painful, weepy rashes, cellulitis, or even abscesses in severe cases – and these infections can then spread.”
Doctor Sooj shared the warning with his TikTok followers after treating his third case in recent months.
He said: “If you have a skin lesion in your groin, like a rash or a spot or something that is just getting really irritated, and you’re wearing high riding boxers or briefs, it might be worth considering changing your underwear and seeing if that stops the rubbing and the friction that’s worsening your symptoms.”
What is intertrigo?
Intertrigo is a common inflammatory skin condition that is caused by skin-to-skin friction that’s intensified by heat and moisture.
It usually looks like a reddish rash.
Trapped moisture, usually due to sweating, causes your skin to stick together in your skin folds and increases friction, which leads to skin damage and inflammation.
In many cases of intertrigo, damage to the skin allows bacteria and/or fungus normally present on the surface of your skin to overgrow.
The warmth, trapped moisture and friction-induced skin damage create an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to grow and multiply.
This overgrowth of bacteria and fungi can result in secondary inflammation and a visible rash.
In more severe cases, the bacterial and/or fungal overgrowth is significant enough to cause a secondary infection.
The most common places that intertrigo occurs include:
- In the creases of your neck.
- In your armpits.
- Beneath or between your breasts.
- Between your belly folds.
- Between your buttocks.
- In your groin at your scrotum.
- In your inner thighs.
- Between your toes and fingers.
Early symptoms of intertrigo without infection can include:
- A somewhat symmetrical red or reddish-brown rash with small bumps in an area where your skin rubs against itself.
- Itching, stinging and/or burning in the affected area.
- Discomfort or pain in the affected area.
If intertrigo is not treated in its early phase, you can develop the following symptoms:
- Feeling like your affected skin is raw.
- Cracks, bleeding or oozing.
- Crusted over and/or scaly skin.
Symptoms of intertrigo with an infection can include:
- A foul smell in the affected area.
- Bumps that contain pus.
- Raised, tender bumps.
Source: Cleveland Clinic
To combat the issue, he particularly recommends investing in light and breathable underwear – with cotton being the best choice.
He added: “Avoid tight, synthetic fabrics that trap sweat.
“Seamless designs can also reduce chafing in sensitive areas.”
The main way to treat intertrigo that hasn’t caused an infection is by keeping the affected area dry, clean and cool.
You should thoroughly pat yourself dry after your shower and wear clothing made out of loose, breathable fabrics.
Intertrigo isn’t the only infection that becomes more common in the summer – the heat can also mess with your vaginal health.
GP Dr Nisa Aslam, advisor to PrecisionBiotics previously told Sun Health: “While we might enjoy the warmer weather, your vagina might not be best pleased.
“That’s because vaginal infections such as thrush and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are more common during hotter temperatures.
“These common problems are caused by vaginal dysbiosis, a disruption of the vaginal microbiome, the delicate balance of good bacteria that helps maintain a healthy pH level and protect against infections.
“Dysbiosis is more likely to occur in hot, sweaty conditions.”
And on the subject of underwear, GP Dr Philippa Kaye revealed what kinds of pants are most likely to lead to irritation.
