Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

In which population is candidal intertrigo most prevalent?

1. Children

2. Health care workers

3. Obese individuals and women with pendulous breasts

4. The elderly

The correct answer is: Obese individuals and women with pendulous breasts

Candidal intertrigo is most prevalent in obese individuals and women with pendulous breasts due to the combined factors of skin friction, moisture, and occlusion often found in skin folds. In these populations, the skin folds can trap heat and moisture, creating an ideal environment for Candida species to thrive. The presence of excess skin tissue in these individuals often leads to an increased risk of intertrigo in regions such as the axilla, groin, and under the breasts. While children, healthcare workers, and the elderly may also experience skin conditions or infections, the characteristics specific to obesity and anatomical changes in women with large, hanging breasts significantly increase the likelihood of developing candidal intertrigo. The detailed interactions of skin moisture, friction, and occlusion in these particular demographics make this population stand out in terms of prevalence for this condition.