Chafing: Causes, Symptoms and Various Treatments



When you experience skin irritation due to repetitive rubbing, this is referred to as chafing. This skin problem often develops within the areas surrounding your groin, your nipples, and your underarms. While there are certain spots where skin irritations starts; this problem can develop anywhere on your body. Anyone can get affected with this condition. However, athletes and overweight individuals are more prone to this. This is due to the fact that the skin of overweight and athletic people keeps on rubbing against each other.

When you experience initial chafing of the skin, the best thing that you can do is to remove the source of the problem. But when the irritation persists for over 2 days, you have to consult with your physician right away. This way, you will know what to do in order to cure your condition. This skin condition can be due to any type of activities which call for repetitive rubbing of the skin against another skin area or clothing. If ever the irritation is exposed to rain or sweat, it can get worse. When the bra does not fit properly, it can also lead to skin irritation.

There are two common signs which indicate that your skin might be irritated. These include the painful stinging sensation or the burning feeling of your skin. You will be able to prevent further chafing of your skin when you know how to deal with it. There are various ways for you to treat skin irritation. The first treatment would be to let the chafed area breathe. Leave it open or without covering so that air will soothe the irritated area. When you allow your affected skin to breathe, it will heal quicker. This treatment is best during the night when you wear a loose sleepwear.

If your skin is sensitive and prone to irritations, you should wear clothes which are soft and gentle against your skin. Avoid wearing garments which are made from woolen and scratchy fabrics. Instead, go for garments which are made from soft cotton. This way, your skin will be able to breathe properly. You can also choose to apply antibiotic cream to your affected skin. If your skin has not been irritated yet, you can apply petroleum jelly to the areas which rub constantly each other. You should remember to avoid applying jelly to your irritated skin, since this will make the problem worse. Other than creams and petroleum jelly, you can also dust your affected skin with talc or baby powder. These can make the skin slippery to stop rubbing. What is more, powder absorbs moisture to lessen skin friction.

When you wash your clothes, make sure that you rinse the detergent thoroughly. What is more, avoid using strong detergents and extremely scented fabric softeners. These laundry products will only cause your skin to get more irritated. Another way for you to prevent chafing is to keep from wearing pants which have heavy inseams. This goes especially when you work out and you sweat a lot. When you want to exercise, wear loose clothes so that these won’t rub on your skin. Lastly, wash your irritated skin with a gentle soap. Do not use those which have deodorant, since fragrances leave irritating residues to your skin.