A female client sees a dermatologist for a skin problem.
Later, the nurse reviews the client’s chart and notes that the chief complaint was intertrigo.This term refers to which condition?
- A- Spontaneously occurring wheals
- B- A fungus that enters the skin’s surface, causing infection
- C- Inflammation of a hair follicle
- D- Irritation of opposing skin surfaces caused by friction
The correct answer is: D- Irritation of opposing skin surfaces caused by friction.
Here's why:
Intertrigo describes a skin condition that develops when two skin surfaces rub together frequently, causing irritation and inflammation. This commonly occurs in skin folds like the groin, armpits, under the breasts, and between the buttocks.
A. Spontaneously occurring wheals:
This describes a symptom, not a specific condition. It could be related to various conditions, including hives or allergic reactions.
B. A fungus that enters the skin's surface, causing infection:
This describes a fungal infection, not specifically intertrigo. While intertrigo can sometimes be complicated by a secondary fungal infection, it's not the defining characteristic.
C. Inflammation of a hair follicle:
This describes folliculitis, which refers to inflammation of the hair follicle, not intertrigo.
Therefore, based on the definition of intertrigo, D accurately reflects the skin condition described by the chief complaint in this scenario.
