Overweight or previously overweight folks (or medical personnel) only, please..?

Question

Has anyone overweight ever had the experience of developing a rash around the belly button area, or between any other areas where your skin rubs together? I get these rashes commonly (usually belly button or backs of knees) and I have tried using Lotramin Jock Itch spray (as it seems to work under the same basic principle), but I was wondering if anyone had any other suggestions.

Thanks.

P.S. - PLEASE no smart-alec folks telling me to lose weight - believe me, I'm already trying to, in a very health-oriented manner. However, I must live with the negative sides until the weight comes off.

Answer 1

Yes, you just need something to reduce friction.

Monistat makes a great product for this- I forget the name, but it is a gel that dries to a powder.

Huggies also makes a 'liquid baby powder' that does this, and works almost as well.

Good luck! I know how annoying that can be!

Answer 2

I am not overweight, but I have overweight friends. My friend gets something similar to a yeast infection in those areas. It happens a lot in the summer or if she sweats a lot. She uses baby powder to try to keep the area dry. But if it does occur she uses a yeast infection treatment to clear it up. Good luck and I hope you feel better!

Edit: It is just sad that you have to put a side note in your question for the smart alecs out there.

Answer 3

Not all overweight people are unhealthy and not all thin people are healthy either. Many people are thin due to drug use, smoking, drinking alcohol, poor diet, eating disorders, or a terminal illness.

Answer 4

You really need to consider what my office workers and I are doing. We got on those recordings by independent achievement productions and we're losing weight...and now we just found out that they have downloads....no feeling deprived...and we are all going to get the exercise one to start the year out right....somehow these recordings work on your subconscious and motivate you without really having to tap into the will power feeling...best of all, i can eat what I want...i just don't want that much of it anymore....really! until then, sprinkle cornstarch......

Answer 5

keep the areas in question dry as possible, use cornstarch as a powder, wash and dry the areas daily.

Answer 6

I'm in no position to lecture anyone on weight and I know exactly what you are referring to. It even has a special medical name:
intertrigo

"Correcting the causative factors is critical.


Take steps to eliminate friction, heat, and maceration by keeping folds cool and dry.

These steps can be accomplished by using air conditioning and absorbent powders and by exposing skin folds to the air.

Compresses with Burow solution 1:40, dilute vinegar, or wet tea bags often are effective, especially if followed by fanning or cool blow-drying.

Skin surfaces in deep folds can be kept separated with cotton or linen cloth; however, be sure to avoid tight, occlusive, or chafing clothing or dressings.

Where appropriate, antimycotic agents (miconazole, clotrimazole) are helpful, especially if used with a mild (class IV-VI) steroid for a short duration. Avoid using stronger topical steroids because the occlusive effect of skin folds can accelerate the development of skin atrophy and striae.

Castellani paint (carbol-fuchsin paint) also can be helpful.

Formulations combining protective agents, antimicrobials, and topical steroids may be helpful including the following:

Triple Paste comprises petrolatum, zinc oxide paste, and aluminum acetate (Burow) solution applied qs ad (in a sufficient quantity).

Greer goo is composed of nystatin (Mycostatin) powder 4 million U, hydrocortisone powder 1.2 g, and zinc oxide paste 4 oz applied qs ad (in a sufficient quantity).

A thick coat of these protective barrier creams should be applied.

Commercially available barrier pastes sold for diaper dermatitis (eg, Desitin) can be helpful, as can absorbent diapers.

Open-toed shoes or sandals may help reduce toe web-space moisture."
http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic198.htm
(I know it's not on your feet, but still doesn't hurt to know these things.)

Specific meds the article mentions:
"Drug Category: Protective agents

Used to protect skin against contact irritants.

Drug Name Petrolatum, zinc oxide, and aluminum acetate (Triple Paste)
Description Consists of petrolatum, zinc oxide paste, and aluminum acetate solution.
Adult Dose Apply thick coat as a protective barrier prn
Pediatric Dose Apply as in adults
Contraindications Documented hypersensitivity
Interactions None reported
Pregnancy C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established.

Precautions Discontinue if irritation develops; for external use only

Drug Name Mycostatin, hydrocortisone, zinc oxide (Greer goo)
Description Consists of nystatin (Mycostatin) powder, 4 million U, hydrocortisone powder, 1.2 g, and zinc oxide paste, 4 oz qs ad (in a sufficient quantity).
Adult Dose Apply thick coat as a protective barrier prn
Pediatric Dose Apply as in adults
Contraindications Documented hypersensitivity
Interactions None reported
Pregnancy C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established.

Precautions Discontinue if irritation develops; for external use only


Drug Name Zinc oxide, cod liver oil, and talc (Desitin)
Description For relief of rash, superficial wounds, and burns.
Adult Dose Apply thick coat as a protective barrier prn
Pediatric Dose Apply as in adults
Contraindications Documented hypersensitivity
Interactions None reported
Pregnancy A - Safe in pregnancy

Precautions Discontinue if irritation develops; for external use only


Drug Name Dimethicone (ProShield Plus)
Description Hydrophobic barrier cream.
Adult Dose Apply a thick coat as a protective barrier prn
Pediatric Dose Apply as in adults
Contraindications Documented hypersensitivity
Interactions None reported
Pregnancy A - Safe in pregnancy

Precautions Discontinue if irritation develops; for external use only




Drug Category: Antifungal agents

Exert fungicidal effect by altering permeability of fungal cell membrane. Mechanism of action may also involve an alteration of RNA and DNA metabolism or an intracellular accumulation of peroxide toxic to fungal cells.

Drug Name Carbol-Fuchsin (Castellani Paint)
Description First aid antiseptic and drying agent. Active ingredient is phenol 1.5%. Inactive ingredients are water, SD alcohol 40B (13%), resorcinol, acetone, and basic fuchsin.
Adult Dose Apply qd or bid as drying agent
Pediatric Dose Apply qd or bid as drying agent
Contraindications Documented hypersensitivity
Interactions None reported
Pregnancy C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established.

Precautions Avoid getting on clothes; stain will slowly wear off skin

Drug Name Miconazole (Micatin, Monistat-Derm, Monistat) cream
Description Damages fungal cell wall membrane by inhibiting biosynthesis of ergosterol. Membrane permeability is increased, causing nutrients to leak out, resulting in fungal cell death.
Lotion is preferred in intertriginous areas. If cream is used, apply sparingly to avoid maceration effects.
Adult Dose Apply to affected areas bid for 2-6 wk
Pediatric Dose Apply as in adults
Contraindications Documented hypersensitivity; not recommended in first trimester of pregnancy
Interactions None reported
Pregnancy C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established.

Precautions Discontinue if sensitivity or chemical irritation occurs; for external use only; avoid contact with eyes; local reactions 0.5-1.5% include dyspareunia, mild vaginal or vulvar erythema, burning, pruritus, urticaria, and rash


Drug Name Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex, Gyne-Lotrimin)
Description Broad-spectrum antifungal agent that inhibits yeast growth by altering cell membrane permeability, causing death of fungal cells.
Adult Dose Gently massage into affected area and surrounding skin areas bid for 2-6 wk
Pediatric Dose Children: Not established
Adolescents: Administer as in adults
Contraindications Documented hypersensitivity, not recommended in first trimester of pregnancy
Interactions None reported
Pregnancy B - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks.

Precautions For external use only; avoid contact with eyes; if irritation or sensitivity develops, discontinue use; local reactions 0.5-1.5% include dyspareunia, mild vaginal or vulvar erythema, burning, pruritus, urticaria, and rash




Drug Category: Immunosuppressant agents

These agents exert anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting T-lymphocyte activation. Safer than topical steroids for prolonged use or in skin folds.

Drug Name Tacrolimus ointment (Protopic)
Description Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent. Should not cause steroid-type skin atrophy.
Currently indicated only for atopic dermatitis in nonimmunocompromised patients >2 y.
Adult Dose 0.1% ointment: Apply to affected areas bid for 2-6 wk
Pediatric Dose 0.03% ointment: Apply as in adults
Contraindications Documented hypersensitivity; not recommended in immunocompromised persons
Interactions None reported; use caution if using oral treatments with CYP3A4 inhibitors
Pregnancy C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established.

Precautions Ointments can lead to maceration in skin folds, use with caution; may aggravate superficial bacterial, fungal, or viral infections; monitor for localized lymphadenopathy; local reactions include itch or burning sensation of short duration the first 1-3 d of use

Drug Name Pimecrolimus (Elidel cream 1%)
Description Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent. Should not cause steroid-type skin atrophy. Currently indicated only for atopic dermatitis in nonimmunocompromised patients >2 y. Use cream sparingly to avoid maceration in skin folds.
Adult Dose Apply to affected areas bid for 2-6 wk
Pediatric Dose Apply as in adults; indicated for >2 y
Contraindications Documented hypersensitivity; not indicated in immunocompromised patients; efficacy and safety in geriatric patients not tested
Interactions None reported; use caution if using oral treatments with CYP3A4 inhibitors
Pregnancy C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established.

Precautions Discontinue if sensitivity or chemical irritation occurs; for external use only; use may aggravate superficial bacterial, fungal, or viral infections; monitor for localized lymphadenopathy; local reactions include itch or burning sensation of short duration first 1-3 d of use"
http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic198.htm

Other notes:
"Complications

Since intertrigo frequently is colonized or secondarily infected, acute cellulitis is a threat.

Potential complications of therapy include contact dermatitis from topical agents and striae from topical steroids.


Prognosis

With therapy, the prognosis for each episode of simple intertrigo is excellent. Recurrence is common.


Patient Education

During patient instruction, emphasize topics such as weight loss, glucose control (in patients with diabetes), good hygiene, and the need for daily care and monitoring.

Medical/Legal Pitfalls

Failure to recognize and diagnose an infectious intertrigo may result in serious cellulitis, especially in patients who are diabetic

Failure to monitor patients closely for the development of striae or a hidden infection if topical steroids are needed to control an inflammatory intertrigo

Failure to consider biopsy if the intertrigo fails to respond to treatment or if severe skin or systemic disorders must be excluded, although skin biopsies are not necessary to diagnose uncomplicated intertrigo

Failure to notice skin fissuring and breakdown/ulcers possibly hidden in the deep skin folds of persons who are obese, which can lead to pain, disability, and, potentially, sepsis"

So this is no laughing matter and can become serious. Hope you get this under control.