Intertrigo in Severe Obesity: Clinical Insights and Outcomes With a New Antimicrobial Silver‐Infused Breathable Fabric
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: ABSTRACT Background Intertrigo is often underdiagnosed in obesity. Objectives To investigate the incidence of intertrigo in obesity and assess the efficacy of a moisture‐wicking fabric (MWF) with antimicrobial silver. Methods Intertrigo symptoms were evaluated in patients with severe obesity, and the effect of MWF application was assessed in a subset of these patients after 5 or 10 days of use. Results In inpatients with obesity ( n = 2.778, mean age 63.9 ± 13.3 years, BMI 43.4 ± 6.8 kg/m 2 ), intertrigo lesions were found in 15.9% under the breast (37.4%), abdomen (19.0%), and inguinal area (9.6%). It was more prevalent in women (12.3%), especially among patients older than 65 years (50.9%), with a mean BMI of 46.4 ± 7.3 kg/m 2 , waist circumference of 129.6 ± 15.2 cm, and mean fat mass of 51.1% ± 6.2%. A subset of 40 patients with intertrigo was randomly divided into two groups: one treated with MWF (mean age 57.0 ± 14.2 years, BMI 46.4 ± 8.2 kg/m 2 ) and the other with traditional treatment (mean age 62.0 ± 14.1 years, BMI 49.9 ± 7.5 kg/m 2 ). The MWF treatment resulted in significantly faster symptom resolution (6.0 ± 2.4 days for MWF vs. 11.0 ± 3.9 days in control group; p < 0.001). Conclusions We underline the need for intertrigo screening in patients with obesity, especially in those with risk factors, such as female, older, and higher BMI. The use of a novel MWF effectively alleviates symptoms within a short treatment period and should be considered as an optional intertrigo treatment.
Source: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.70161
Authors: Franca Pera, Camilla Suman, Mioara Cosma, Silvia Mazza, Amelia Brunani, Raffaella Cancello
Institution: IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano
Language: English
Topic: Skin Diseases and Diabetes
Subfield: Dermatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,020
OpenAlex ID: W4409965875