In medical terminology, this is also known as Intertrigo. It is a rash that occurs under the fold/folds of the belly. Generally caused by heat/humidity, that area not being dried enough after showering and/or an allergy of time type. I first noticed mine happening while sitting and sleeping in my recliner after my last rotator cuff surgery. Guess I didn't have this, somewhat small, "roll" in my belly when I had to sleep siting up after my hip replacement in 2005 and other rotator cuff surgery in 2007. Of course, back then, I was working a full-time job, both in my office and in the warehouse. Retirement sure isn't like working a full-time "active" job! Anyway, after doing some research, have been using Medicated Baby Powder or an ointment (Fluocinonide) my wife has, on the area after showering. Have also been taking a 1/4 tab of an antihistamine, in case it's something I'm allergic to. However, very hard to figure out what a person is allergic to! The rash has gotten fairly red at times, but not ozzing or anything else like that. Just a red rash. Sometimes, not too long after taking the antihistamine, the rash disappears, then, in a few days, reappears. Told my VA doctor about it and she just recommended that I continue using the powder and the ointment. I'll be glad once I get another PCP, outside the VA. Will have two doctors then. Anyway, of course it would be nice to lose the weight that is causing the "fold", but that is definitely hard.......but TRYING! So, have you ever had this problem, and if so, how did you stop it? I know that living here, where it's pretty much really hot/humid during the summer months, isn't helping, but can't move right now. Advice/Recommendations? And, yes, already know/understand about losing the weight! Thanks
Pardon me if I got it wrong but the way I understand that rash is like the baby's rashes that we call "bungang-araw" which is literally translated as fruit of the sun. It's called such because it usually appears during the hot season and the baby's skin is delicate so they are the likely victims. The traditional home remedy used by mothers on their babies is corn starch. Instead of talcum powder, they apply corn starch on the rashes to ease the itch. And maybe it works.
When I first moved from Southern California to the the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, the heat difference was tough on me. I could barely walk for a few months because of the heat rash that I had. Corn starch helped. In the end though, I learned that I had to forego the convenience of air conditioning in order to acclimate to the weather. Once I moved into a house without air conditioning, I could go to the non-air conditioned place where I worked without getting a heat rash.
I/we (wife & I) have been battling this rash off and on since it first appeared last year. All three, medicated powder, ointment and antihistamine help, but it does end up coming back. If I'm allergic to something, it sure can be hard to pin that down/ identify. Whatever is causing it, we sure hope that sooner or later (hopefully, sooner) I can get rid of it for good.
@Cody Fousnaugh back in the early 90's when I home cared my father he had the same problem, but he was too embarrassed to tell his doctor. He had developed a tummy flap after gaining too much weight, and it would get real raw. I got him some Scholl's Athlete Foot Spray, (the kind my husband used in his boots),and that was something that he could use by himself. He said it was soothing, and it kept the area dryer than any other powder we tried. I know it sounds weird, but it worked. It kept the area dryer, and kept any type of fungal irritation from developing.
I live in Hawaii and in the summer I always get heat rash in the summer time or when the weather turns humid and hot. I found the Eucerin lotion is the best for it. Rash is so itchy at times, but resist scratching it because you don't want infection setting in, so I reach for my Eucerin and though pricey it works. Walmart has the cheapest ones.Take care and hope you stop getting heat rash too!
I do sometimes get a heat rash too since it is so hot and humid here in the summertime. I usually end up putting some kind of powder on it, and also take care to be fully dry before I get dressed. It can be painful and uncomfortable. I hate when I get it. It sounds like you have done your research @Cody Fousnaugh so you know what works. I am not sure where you are, but it seems like this summer has been a bad one for humidity, so I imagine it was not good for anyone's heat rash. It's almost over, Thanks be to God!
Yep, when retired, have lots of time to do research (LOL). We currently live in northeastern Florida, but only for awhile longer, than back to the cold/snowy winters.