A novel treatment of intertrigo in athletes and overweight subjects

BACKGROUND: Intertrigo is a recurrent inflammatory dermatosis involving large/small body folds. Skin barrier products represent the mainstay of treatment in uncomplicated mild/moderate intertrigo. AIMS: To assess by clinical and instrumental evaluation the efficacy and tolerability of a new barrier spray containing zinc gluconate‐taurine complex and zinc oxide combined with panthenol, glycerin, and Shea (Butyrospermum parkii) butter in mild‐to‐moderate intertrigo in athletes and overweight subjects. METHODS: In this open‐label prospective trial, 20 adult patients, with mild/moderate intertrigo enrolled at the Dermatology University Clinic of Catania (Italy), were instructed to apply the spray twice daily for 30 days. Degree of erythema was performed clinically and by polarized dermoscopy using a 5‐point severity scale (from 0=no erythema to 4=severe erythema) at baseline, and at 15 and 30 days. The measurement of pruritus was carried out by a subject‐completed visual analog scale (VAS) (from 0 mm=no pruritus to 100 mm=severe pruritus), at all time points. An Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) using a 6‐point scale (from −1=worsening to 4=complete response/clear) was also conducted at 30 days, along with a self‐administered tolerability questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS version 9. RESULTS: At 15 days, a statically significant reduction from baseline in erythema severity (mean from 3.4 ± 0.3 to 2.5 ± 0.2) along with pruritus intensity (mean from 70 ± 15.4 mm to 40 ± 9.5 mm) was observed. At 30 days, all evaluated parameters showed a further progressive statistically significant reduction from baseline. No relevant side effects were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the tested spay containing antiseptic/anti‐inflammatory and anti‐irritation agents may represent a valid therapeutic option for mild/moderate intertrigo.