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

Recommend getting your mother in immediately to a Dermatologist for a culture swab of the rash and determine whether its shingles, bacterial or fungal rash. Take a list of everything you've tried. She must wear a bra of some type to lift breasts off her chest. A support panty with snap crotch can assist with with lessening the tummy fold. Cotton clothing can assist absorbing moisture from excess skin. If its shingles, she will be given meds to lessen the considerable discomfort plus topical treatment, but it can last for some time. As for the surgeries, you're looking at multi-thousands of dollars of surgery not covered by insurance, and you'd be unlikely to find a surgeon willing.

I have psoriasis that is treated with meds per my dermatologist. There are 4 types. I thought I had an allergy to something when, in fact, a biopsy revealed the real cause. My suggestion is to have your mother properly diagnosed. My treatment with an oral & creams has kept my psoriasis at bay. Mine was hopping itchy & would cause painful eruptions in an area no woman would want to experience. It became increasingly worse over a period of 3 yrs. It is called inverse psoriasis & appears in the armpits, under the breasts, behind the knees &
in the genitals. Maybe TMI, mine raised it's ugly head in the last area. I wouldn't wish this condition on anyone!

Aquaphor or Butt Paste, both are used on babies to stop diaper rash from the moisture.

You would need to apply twice a day under the folds of skin.

Somitting that I use on my 96 yr old Dad for his very dry skin is
VIrvine Coconut Oil which you can by at Walmart.

Mare sure it says
VIRGIN COCONUT OIL.

I'm glad someone asked that question because I lost a lot of weight and I have the stomach flap and tried almost everything. It can be very painful with itchy to burning. There's some suggestions here that I will have to try. Thank you.

It sounds like yeast to me! I would use Lotrimin AF and some Desitin ointment over that as a protectant. That’s what I used to do in the folds of my baby’s skin when they got a yeast rash. The Destin is soothing to the skin. It’s mostly zinc which is healing! Try it for a week!

My 87 year-old mother has the same EXACT problem. I took her to the dermatologist, and he said to purchase ZEASORB AF powder. It's much different from talcum powder, etc., as it's an anti-fungal powder. Just make sure when you wash underneath her breasts, and stomach folds, that it's completely dry (don't rub, pat dry). The rash heals within one day. There IS a chance that the fungus will come back. Moisture gets underneath, and there's nothing you can do about that. It says on the bottle: CURES MOST ATHLETE'S FOOT. Don't let that alarm you. This is what her dermatologist recommended, and it works!! Good luck to you Susie.

I agree about candida / fungal. I had it following a course of antibiotics. (same areas). Can't remember the name of the ointment, but very effective. Myconazole? THere's something OTC and can use the same as used for vaginal yeast infections -- that would be the Lotrimin I believe. Meanwhile, today, now, apply plain yogurt or plain Greek yogurt as an antifungal soothing antidote. Also try some aloe vera gel to heal the skin. Have her take a probiotic capsule daily, or plain yogurt.

Iinstead of talcum powder, try a medicated powder like Goldbond. It works great for me.

Use Antibacterial soap and water to clean it 3 times a day, make sure it is completely dry afterwards. I also had a prescription for Nystatin Powder from the dr. after each cleaning use that Powder untill cleared up. This always worked for my grandmother when I was caring for her. It may take a while but dont give up on it.

Prescription meds from a dermatologist! Could be handled by a teledoc appointment.

Are you sure it isn't a fungal issue? My late mother had that, and I've got it right now. I treat it with Nystatin, the dry powder for deep folds. I agree it is painful and can open like a wound in some places. It takes a LONG time to get rid of once it gets a foothold. You can get it in any fold in your body. Diabetics have much more of a problem getting rid of it. Hope this helps your poor mom. Bless yo for caring.
PS Go to a full doctor and ask for both Nystatin powder in a shaker and the cream, because in some places, the cream mgit be better - if the area involved is dry.

Desitin, I can not stress how great this works. I use it daily under my breast. I also used it for my mom to clear rashes in her bottom crack, leg creases and under her breast. Cleared up rashes and prevented further ones. It also prevents bed sores.

My dad had the beginnings of a bed sore, Skin was just starting to break, We had a nurse come through home care to look at it, she gave us ointments and special bandages it kept getting worse. I started using Desitin on dad without a bandage and it started clearing up. Dad has tummy rolls. He was so red and sore. Desitin cleared it up in 2 days. Now we coat every other day to keep his tummy area clear and I coat his bottom daily as a prevention. I can not say enough about how good this is. Takes the pain away instantly too. A friend used Utter cream in her parents but we were not very successful with that.

I get that under my tummy. You have to bathe and dry the area thoroughly. I use an antifungal spray like Lotrimin or some equivalent. The key is, this area has to be washed with soap daily and dried then apply spray daily. It takes a long time to get rid of it but it will go away.

I don't agree with the PA. I say it's fungal.

I'm also on fluconazole pills. It fights the fungus.

I hope this helps.

Wash it thoroughly with Dail bar soap
Make it dry completely and your can even use your hair dryer on low.
Walgreens,CVS, TARGET,WALMART,
in the Pharmacy area there a TUBE OF OTC MEDICINE CALLED....
MONISTAT CHAFING GEL OR CREAM(blue&pink colored box ask the pharmacist). You'll some time find it with
The feminine products)
This will clear up the rash and the yeast oder...the main thing with these flap area bath daily (even a sink bath to those areas) and keeping them dry and you can use the GEL as a preventive too it doesn't
Take a large amount just the size of a dime its spread easily....also GOLD BOND
Power will help for dryness but dont use gel and powder together..

Calamine lotion!!!!!!!!!!!!! Excellent!!!!!!!!! Use all the time!!!!!!

My dermatologist gave me a prescription for Hydrocortisone Ointment USP 2.5. And although you can't use it for a prolonged time, it does work almost immediately!

My mom in-law who was 89 frequently got rashes under her breasts and tummy... we made sure the area was very thoroughly dried after showers and on warm days asked her to wipe with a small soft towel frequently. I would say do use an anti fungal cream as well for sure.. sometimes it’s not a strong enough infection but it’s there to cause irritation and rashes . At least that’s what we experienced . Good luck

Lots of good answers here. I'll echo those who suggested vinegar or witch hazel. When my mom was in her 70's, she used to get the rash in the summer months, and she'd tuck a paper towel saturated with vinegar into the fold, leaving it there for several hours a day. After about a week, she'd clear up, and just wipe the area daily as a preventive. In later years, when her skin became more sensitive, I would soak cotton balls in witch hazel and dab the area gently.

I think the PA is wrong. It wouldn't hurt to try an antifungal like Nystop, cuz it sounds like a yeast infection.
I would take your mother to a dermatologist and go from there.

My Moms problem was like an allergy rash. Itchy. Better to prevent than to cure. She always wore a Cotton bra maybe Cotton/polyester but it breathed. As long as she wore it, there were no problems. Once you can get rid of it, as soon as you see any redness start putting on the creams or whatever you found that worked. I used Desitin because I had it left over from caring for grandson. I used it as soon as I saw red and it happened to work. Everyone is different. Skin sensitivity is different. I would shy away from powders. They get caked and cause irritation. I actually thought the hairdryer thing was great.

Soap wise I would not use Ivory. It actually dries the skin out. Caused more problems for my Dads rash which had to do with his water pills and the sun. I would not use Dove because of the cream in it. I would use a deodorant soap like Dial but I liked Lever brothers.

In regards to shingles. I think the rash only occurs on one side of the body. So if mom’s rash is under both breast it would not be shingles. I know you’ve already ruled out shingles based on pictures but good to know.

Wash the area, dry it, use antifungal powder or cream prescription strength Then cover with paper towel so skin Folds do not touch each other. Wash all her underclothes with bleach and hot water and rinse twice. Change out the paper towels daily or more depending on how much moisture is there. Do this till skin cracks heal then you can move on the moisture barrier creams to prevent this from happening. This happens a lot when woman do not wear bras so I suggest she wears one and while cracks in skin are still there she should change bra and underware daily.

An alcohol wipe works. Burns like heck but then it’s all better.
Gold Bond powder. Doesn’t smell great but it works.
Nystatin. Comes in cream and powder.

Thank you so much everyone for your suggestions! I am going to print this all out so I can remember them! It never even occurred to me it could be shingles?! She did get the shingles shot a few years back though...

My mom and aunt have terrible issues with rashes like this. My aunt swears by daily use of desitin on her upper thighs. If the rash is red and the skin is open her doctor needs to see it. She may need prescription cream for a bacterial infection.
Mom swears by Monistat Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel | Anti Chafe Protection | 1.5 OZ
She uses it everyday.
Wash areas twice a day with soap and warm water using a baby wipe. Pay dry gently.
Get mom to eat yogurt everyday. A high sugar diet increases risk of yeast.

Going with:
Candidiasis
Candidiasis is caused by the same yeasts, or fungi, that cause vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush infections, and diaper rash. These fungal infections often occur in babies, people with illnesses that affect their immune system, and people who are taking antibiotics.
Candida yeasts thrive in the moist, warm environment under the breasts. They cause a rash that often develops uncomfortable blisters and small cracks. Like many other rashes, candidiasis can be very itchy.
Antifungal creams are used to treat candidiasis. If the infection is more widespread, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medications to be taken by mouth. It’s also important to keep your skin dry.

Someone might have mentioned already, but I'd put an absorbent paper or cloth barrier in that area when you're mother is going to be in her chair, to absorb any moisture and keep the folds from rubbing on each other. You can hopefully prevent it from reoccurring that way.

You could put some medicine on them, too, like big bandages.

Agree that the rash could be a fungal infection or yeast...could be treated as Bridger has said: OTC Miconazole Cream.

Return or report to the PA, (or see a doctor) that she still has the rash. Referral to a dermatologist may get a proper diagnosis, and the better treatment if it is shingles.

The main ingredient in the Butt paste is 40% Zinc Oxide. A good place to start, and is also the ingredient in Desitin Ointment, which is also the max. 40% zinc oxide.

If you want to start simple, be sure to wash all her clothes in laundry detergent "FREE" of dyes, perfumes, etc. Rinse well, and discontinue any additives like fabric softener. Have you changed detergents recently? My own sheets and towels must be "FREE" of chemicals also. Start there.

It could be as simple as a HEAT RASH. Heat rash (miliaria) occurs when your sweat glands become blocked and sweat can’t be excreted through the pores. Instead, the sweat pools under your skin, causing inflammation and a rash.
The best treatment is to cool off. Heat rash happens mainly when you sweat more than normal because of heat and humidity. Heat rash usually clears up without treatment.

It could be, if she has been taking antibiotics, a Candidiasis infection. There is also oral medication for this. To return to health, a balance of good bacteria needed to keep this fungus at bay needs to be re-established. imo.

I have thought about using a hair dryer but dismissed the thought from my mind - I'd be fired so hard I'd be in outer space, and anyway even if that hadn't occurred to me I'd still be extremely cautious if trying it on older, fragile skin. Low setting, not too close, and if mother finds it unpleasant stop immediately.

You may also find that the warmth actually increases or triggers itching. Tread carefully.

Have you tried a good quality coconut oil?

The benefits of using coconut oil for the skin are varied and may include:
moisturizing dry skin, including in people with conditions such as eczema reducing inflammation, which may result from UVB rays promoting wound healing
antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

Some preliminary research supports these benefits. However, more investigation is necessary to confirm them.

One study found that coconut oil might help prevent and treat rashes, such as atopic dermatitis. Another study showed that coconut oil extract could improve the barrier function of the skin and reduce inflammation due to UVB rays.

Research on coconut oil has also suggested that the oil may have antibacterial properties, even when people use it on the skin. Cellular studies indicate possible antifungal and antiviral capabilities, too.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/coconut-oil-good-for-skin#benefits

Just a thought,
Jenna