How can my mother get rid of her severe skin fold rash? Nothing seems to work!

Apple cider vinegar and neosporin.

The physicians assistant may be wrong about it not being yeast. I weigh too much so I have several areas such as under the breast that can develop a yeast infection very easily in the summer. I apply athlete's foot cream to the areas after each shower to prevent it. Yeast infection is generally bright red, itchy and actually smells like bread making yeast.

Corn starch, I use it all the time underneath her hanging boobs. It does wonders. Just rub some with cotton.

Try the white diaper rash ointment. Comes in a blue and white tube. Desitin. It really works like a barrier and heals.

It's FINALLY cleared up after almost 3 months and many creams, ointments and powders. What seemed to do the trick was putting nothing on the raw rashes and simply letting it dry out. I cut out the pad in her Depends and used it between all her skin folds and inside elbows and groin. Mid-day I'd have her lay down and I'd "belt" up her tummy and let everything be exposed to the air to help it dry out.

Thanks again for everyones tips and idea's!

Yep. My dad has a big tummy fold. This works for him. Promise you there’s yeast and bacteria in all that sweat.
amazon or eBay. Get a couple of tubes of Medline Remedy Phytoplex anti fungal ointment. CLEAR one.
bathe area with gentle soap. Dry VERY well but don’t rub. We pack a hand towel under the fold and let it absorb all the moisture While we do something else.
Do NOT use zinc oxide anything. Won’t work here. After drying out put about 1/2 inch bead of ointment on your finger and gently smear it all over under the fold.
do this at least 3 times a week. It’s a miracle. My dad was bleeding and infected (bad nursing home care) and we cleared it all up with this. We keep doing it for maintenance and he’s had no more issues. It’s been awesome.
and for pressure sores, (Or any wound) forget zinc oxide. Use Hollister Restore Hydrogel. It’s the best! And of course rotate them into different positions.

My mom's doctor gave her a prescription powder, something that actually works on those folds. I'm sorry I can't remember what it was called!

I have no specific suggestion, but the main thing is to keep the skin surfaces from being in contact with each other and to prevent any friction. You might try using extra wide rolled gauze ( be sure to choose the "fluffy" kind) that is used to wrap wounds on extremities like legs and arms. Layer the rolls of gauze lightly, back and forth, under breast or abdominal folds until there is enough to keep skin surfaces apart. Use enough so that the layers stay in place because of the weight of the breasts or abdominal folds alone...no tape, no ties! Some air circulation to the area is desirable. If your mom is active, these may need to be re-layered from time to time. And if these because very damp, replace with dry gauze. (you can let the damp gauze dry out for re-use as long as the "fluff" is maintained.). It may sound like a lot of work, but if you can manage it, you should see some improvement in a matter of days.

It is yeast plain and simple. Try an over the counter cream sold for vaginal yeast infections.

I don't know if you can buy these products where you are but Dermol 500 lotion and Betnovate C cream work for me, please get them checked out before use as it could interfere with the medication that your mother is using but I have Hailey-hailey skin and it is painful
good luck

Baby rash cream desitin. Used that on my baby's neck..we lived in Georgia and she had neck rash.

When we lived in a warm climate I had this problem often, under my Breasts. I found applying Desitin, like we use to use on baby’s bottoms for diaper rash worked. I also folded my husbands cotton hankies and put it under my bra. I never used anything else after trying so much. I just checked the name on the tube in my drawer and it is the CVS Drug Store brand, Diaper Rash Ointment 40% zinc oxide.

I am large breasted and had no problems until after a shoulder surgery I had. It seemed like nothing worked until I changed my soap to Ivory bar soap. That helped to quell the burn for a bit but I needed something more. I changed my diet to less processed foods and kept using the Ivory and that cleared it up. I do notice that when I backslide on the processed foods the rash starts to creep back. I know you don't want to restrict her foods (it's hard!) but maybe switch out for healthier options.

My mom’s doctor prescribes her Nystatin powder twice daily and Fluconizole Tablets once per week for a month to clear it up. Works very time. She also said to keep it clean with daily showers, but my 94 year old mom refuses, and to wear a bra that lifts more, but she has kyphosis so there is only so much lifting that will help. Instead of waiting until it comes up again, the doctor wants to see her every 6 months for preventative care.

The doc may not be used to seeing a rash there. Its yeast rather than fungus although the treatment is the same. It’s called intertrigo. Candidal rash same as vaginal thrush. But when it’s really bad it can get a secondary bacterial infection as well. The doc should have taken a swab to be sure but if not I would agree to use over the counter cream for candida and may need some antibacterial too. This sounds gross but give it a sniff. If it’s bacterial it really stinks. If it smells more yeasty it’s just candida. If it is bright red, shiny, has fairly clear cut off where the skin fold ends and maybe has little round spots of satellite lesions it’s candida. You need to be sure and wash it clean twice a day if you can. Don’t use soap just warm water and maybe some non perfumed moisturiser. Then pat it dry really well. Then put the creams on. Nappy (diaper) creams are usually a barrier cream and, if medicated, will be antiseptic and maybe antifungal (aimed at candida). They usually are good. Lots of people have already said similar advice and I agree.
Having said all that there is one alternative to consider. Psoriasis. When this occurs in the skin folds and groins and between the legs it looks completely different from psoriasis elsewhere. It looks very similar to intertrigo. It’s known as flexural, inverse or intertriginous psoriasis, You can get this at any age and with no family history of psoriasis but it worth asking family to see if anyone has something that might have been psoriasis. Difficult to diagnose if you haven’t seen it before.
There is a really good website for skin things that has lots of great images and information. dermnetnz.org
Just remember that unless you live in New Zealand the treatments etc may not be exactly the same.

Did the PA culture the rash? Do not take the following as actual medical advice; please ask a doctor.
It sounds like Intertrigo, which is very common in skin folds, but can be difficult to treat. It’s usually accompanied by an infection (fungus, yeast, bacteria), but the at home treatments are the same. Keep the areas dry and clean, and put something moisture wicking in the fold if you aren’t able to keep it open to air (expensive but works really well on hospital patients, can be cut into needed sizes, and reused if not soiled- DSS Coloplast InterDry
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O5V7LFW/ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_i_ntxJFbBAVVSDB
Change it and clean the areas GENTLY but thoroughly at least once a day, twice if it is not too painful, and dry with a hairdryer set to cool. Keep clothing clean and don’t let your mom get overheated/sweaty. If there is inflammation, you can ask your doctor if a prescription topical steroid cream is recommended. Do NOT use baby powder; it has corn starch in it which will make intertrigo worse. Also, do not use talcum powder; it has been linked to cancer in post-menopausal women. How is your mom’s blood sugar? You mentioned this is fairly new. Excessive sugar intake or high blood sugar levels can worsen skin fold rashes. If the skin is broken/open/cracked, she really should have a doctor examine it soon. A prescription cream and prescription powder that work wonders when used together are: Nystatin ointment and Nystop 100,000U/Gm Powder. After the rash clears up most of the way, you can use- Lotrimin Antifungal Powder Spray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0039NN81S/ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_i_kwxJFbBBPVEBW
(yes I know it’s for jock itch) after she bathes to prevent it from coming back. Make sure the rash is mostly cleared up before using or it will burn! Otherwise it’s just cold when you first spray it.

I hope this helps you and your Mom!

Blessings,
Jessica

Have you tried calendula oil ?

It was the only thing that cleared up my shingles.

Too many responses to digest at the moment, but how does this PA know for sure it isn't fungal? Has he taken a sample and tested it? I'm not a doctor or in the medical field, but here is some information - if the symptoms match, I would take her to see someone else, probably best to choose a good dermatologist, mainly because the best treatment will require an Rx. The quotations below were specifically just the ones focused on skin/belly fold. Candida can affect multiple areas of the body and can be called many names, but who cares what it is called, she needs proper Dx and appropriate treatment! {added some add'l info and/or clarifications}

https://lluh.org/conditions/candidiasis-yeast-infection
(Loma Linda Univ. Health):

"What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?
Location:
Skin folds or belly button
Symptoms:
Rash with redness and skin breakdown Patches that ooze clear fluid Pimples Itching or burning."

AND

"HOW IS YEAST INFECTION DIAGNOSED?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and health history. He or she will also give you a physical exam. He or she may scrape off a bit of skin or remove part of a nail and check it to confirm the diagnosis." {NOTE: scraping off some skin to CONFIRM!}

AND

"HOW IS YEAST INFECTION TREATED?
Yeast infection in the skin folds. These can be treated with anti-yeast powders."

Also:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/candida-symptoms-treatment#TOC_TITLE_HDR_5

"6. Skin and Nail Fungal Infections
Just like in your gut, there are bacteria on your skin that prevent Candida from growing uncontrollably.
All bacteria thrive in different conditions, including varying temperature, moisture or acidity levels.
That’s why a change in the environment on your skin can allow Candida to overproduce.
For example, cosmetics, soaps and moisturizers can alter skin conditions, especially the antibacterial varieties.
While skin candidiasis can affect any part of the body, areas that are warm and moist, such as the armpits and groin, are particularly prone to infection.
Itching and a visible rash are the two most common symptoms of skin fungal infections.
An overgrowth of Candida can cause conditions like athlete’s foot, ringworm and toenail fungus (21Trusted Source). {followed the link to https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC419368/, primary discussion is around Athlete's foot, similar issue. However, it DOES mention cellulitis, which CAN be a serious infection and requires antibiotics - mom "bruised" her shin and developed cellulitis. It CAN be a killer! She had to take TWO rounds of antibiotics to treat that!}
While not life threatening, skin fungal infections can be very uncomfortable and significantly decrease quality of life."


My mother developed something similar. The MC nurse had suggested Gold Bond, however the doc Rxed Nystop:

"Nystatin
Brand name: Nystop
Description
Antifungal
It can treat fungal infections.

Brands: Nyamyc, Nystop, and Nyata
Availability: Prescription needed"

Sometime last year mom refused to stand/walk without major help, so she is in a wheelchair. She also has this issue in the belly folds (she is somewhat overweight - I am curious how tall your mother is, because 160 doesn't exactly sound svelte! My mother is about 144#. Due to kyphosis aka  "dowager's hump," or "widow's hump", most likely caused by osteoporosis in her case, she's probably around 4'9" now, if that. So, very roundish...)

Anyway, if regular doc (not the PA) still says this isn't due to candida, I'd get her to a dermatologist. THEY should be able to easily discern what this is and recommend proper treatment.

As with my mother, this condition may never truly go away. Sitting all the time, keeping the area "folded" and probably "moist" will encourage growth. Doc's Rx was actually for 11 or 12, filled each month. If she lives with you and you can find a way to keep it clean, dry and treated, it might be possible to eliminate it. Once clean/treated, maybe have her wear loose fitting top

https://healthhearty.com/external-yeast-infection#:~:text

Please go to the above website. It explains your mother's problem. It takes you from diagnosis to treatment including both allopathic and holistic medicines. It is a quick, easy, read and very informative. You would be wise to put your mother on the candida diet and give it a chance to work. I think you'll be pleased with the results. Good luck and GOD bless.

Immediately after the area is healed begin to use this process: blot dry with towel after bathing, blow dry on cool, air dry if needed, apply antiperspirant, then powder. A nurse recommended this to me many years ago. It works!

I had a similar problem when laid up with a shattered ankle. It did seem like a yeast infection but I was also told that it was not.

I got rid of it by washing the area carefully with a soap designed for skin problems - cetaphil, castile, goat milk, or olive oil soap worked for me. Unfortunately it will hurt. Then coat the area generously with zinc oxide cream such as is used for diaper rash. Cover the creamed area with thin cotton or thick tissue and make sure that the folds will hold it in place. Repeat this daily. Once this clears completely, make sure that the area is dried very thoroughly after bathing and continue to place thin cotton cloth in the folds if sweating in that area is very noticeable.

Wash area and dry.

Rub a few drops of Oreganol(brand name) - Oil of Wild Oregano over affected area. Leave exposed until oil is absorbed into skin.

Take 2-4 drops in very small amount of water.

place 1/2 apron Or square of fleece material under belly to absorb moisture Be sure to keep it clean

Try some lavender essential oil straight meaning undiluted both on the tummy fold and under the breasts. Or better yet mix it with pure organic aloe Vera to actually heal the wounds. Once healed use the lavender daily.
Another great wound healer is SilverGel by Asap365, it can be purchased online at SilverSolutionUSA.com.
I use the lavender remedy myself and have great success.
Do make sure your essential oils are organic and pure, not the crap they sell at the pharmacy or retail stores.
Edensgarden.com has fantastic oils that are pure and reasonably priced.
*note it might sting for a second when applying but just for a second.
Lavender essential oil is one of the greatest healing oils in the world. It’s also great for cuts, scrapes and burns.
In fact I recently poured scalding hot water on my hand when I wasn’t paying attention to what I was doing. I immediately doused my whole hand in lavender essential oil, it stopped the pain in its tracks and the next day you’d never know I poured scalding water on my hand. I even used it on a really deep gash that needed stitches on my heel and it worked fantastically. Yes, it’s that amazing.
Believe it or not God gave us everything we need to heal ourselves.
**I don’t work for either company, I simply believe in natural healing. And do not recommend things I’ve not tried on myself.

My son used to get bad yeast rashes as a baby. Our doctor told us to use something called Domeboro and soak cloths (in his case diapers) in it and leave it on the area for a couple of hours. This cleared his rashes up. After soaking, I would use Desitin. Good luck.

I'm not your Mom, but I, too, get an itchy rash under the extra skin on my belly because of weight loss. And also under my breasts. It was diagnosed as a fungal infection, which when left untreated is very annoying and hurtful. I know that you can get a "belly belt" to put under her belly.... I never did but it may help. But the most uncomfortable I've been is with the itchiness under my breasts. My doctor prescribed Triamcinolone cream and it really helped a lot. Another doctor prescribed Betamethasone for my itchiness and that helped as well, maybe even better. Please have a doctor look at your Mom and mention the meds that I have typed here. I do not understand a double mastectomy for a rash and an itch. Your Mom must not be wearing a bra and maybe even perspires a bit, which only promotes the infection.
Good luck....hope this helps..

Imho, your mother needs to seen by a dermatologist to address this rash STAT, especially since it's causing skin breaks. Do not let it manifest into something worse. Prayers sent.

Desitin works great for that.

I agree with many others who immediately thought yeast infection (candidiasis). When I worked in Intensive Care, we didn't use talcum powder in skin folds because it most always had perfume in it. Now it has been shown to be related to ovarian cancer (not that it would be an issue for your mom). We used cornstarch instead. We, of course had to make sure the skin was completely dry before application, otherwise it just got lumpy. You could also try colloidal silver soap instead of antibacterial or moisturizing soap. Since the skin is painful and cracking open, this leaves your mom at risk for bacterial skin infection, if she doesn't already have one and it could eventually become systemic (get into her blood) and you don't want that. My BIL had this problem (he is morbidly obese) and he was growing MRSA(Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus--a bacteria) in his skin folds. The treatment with silver products took care of it. My point is, you need to get wound cultures of the areas that are open, possibly skin scrapings--a dermatologist is best. If you cannot get her to a doctor, perhaps he/she could order home care to come out to get the specimens, especially if they have a wound care nurse on staff. All nurses should be able to get wound cultures, and many wound care nurses know how to do skin scrapings. There is also a prescription product called EMLA that has a numbing medication in it that might work for the discomfort. I've never used it on open skin or inflamed skin, just intact skin prior to inserting an IV catheter, to decrease the discomfort from the needle insertion. Check with the doctor or pharmacist to see if it can be used on inflamed or open skin (or do an internet search) Plain Lidocaine ointment or gel (also Rx) might be OK; again, I've not used it on inflamed or open skin. Be careful as some topical numbing medications have alcohol or some other additive that can sting a lot when first applied.

Simple Diaper Rash Cream daily or plain & simple sprinkled Corn Starch from Publix have to wash and dry area daily & apply til rash goes away

My mother had that a few times. Make sure under her breasts are completely dry. I applied Nystatin powder per her dermatologist and it cleared up quickly with no further problems. It is a common problem with our elders.