Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Where is candidal intertrigo most likely to occur in the body?

1. The scalp

2. The flexor areas of the elbows and knees

3. The areas of the body where skin is rubbing together

4. The hands

The correct answer is: The areas of the body where skin is rubbing together

Candidal intertrigo is a skin condition characterized by inflammation and irritation that occurs in skin folds and areas where skin surfaces rub against each other. The condition is caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast, which thrives in warm, moist environments often found in these intertriginous areas. The areas of the body where skin is rubbing together include regions such as the axillae (armpits), under the breasts, the groin, and the spaces between the buttocks. These sites provide the warm and moist environment conducive to the growth of Candida, making them the most common locations for candidal intertrigo to develop. In contrast, while the scalp and hands can be affected by fungal infections, they are not the typical sites for candidal intertrigo due to the absence of skin folds and the moisture retention that occurs in intertriginous zones. The flexor areas of the elbows and knees may also experience friction but are not as commonly associated with candidal infections as the areas where skin rubs together. Therefore, candidal intertrigo is most likely to occur in those specific intertriginous areas of the body where moisture and friction converge.