Suggest Treatment For Rashes Between The Breasts Which Are Hot To Touch With Sharp Pain

Posted on Sun, 17 Jun 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 17 Jun 2018 Answered on

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 Last reviewed on

Question : I am sending this for my 49-year-old daughter. She has a large area of chest rash between her breasts that started Tuesday and is a little worse now. It's hot and painful, burns and some areas have sharp pains. It's more crawly than itchy. Should she put some tea tree oil or coconut oil on it? Maybe go to ER tomorrow?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Intertrigo

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

She has Intertrigo - inflammation of body folds. Usually there is candida overgrowth. Sweat, heat and humidity are predisposing factors.
I suggest her to use an anti-fungal and steroid combination cream e.g lotrimin AF (clotrimazole and betamethasone), twice daily for 2 weeks. Thereafter she may use anti-fungal dusting powder e.g clotrimazole dusting powder, frequently, to keep the area dry and prevent candida overgrowth.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (24 minutes later)

Thank you so much! This makes perfect sense. She is overweight and very large busted and has had other chest rashes in the past, but not this badly. Plus shouldn't she cut back on sugar consumption, too? Doesn't that also contribute to candida overgrowth? She drinks at least 2 Pepsi Colas a day and eats other sugary foods. I've tried to tell her how sugared colas are almost like poison to the body, but she gets a bad headache (withdrawal symptom) whenever she tries to quit drinking them. Plus she says nothing else really quenches her thirst and dry mouth as well as the Pepsi does. I'd like for her to hear your opinion of this "sugar consumption aspect" rather than always hearing it from "mom."

Thx so much!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Intertrigo

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Yes, candida thrives on sugar. She should definitely cut down on sugars and lose excess weight or else she might have recurrences.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng