Home Cures For Chafing

Wearing harsh fabrics while exercising can cause chafing.

Chafing is painful and embarrassing enough, but without proper treatment, your tender, even broken skin can develop an infection. Patches of skin naturally rub together on certain areas of the body, such as the inner thighs, groin or upper arms, making these most susceptible to chafing. Performing repetitive motions through exercise of physical labor can increase these risks, especially if you are wearing rough, synthetic fiber clothing. Ignoring chafing is both ineffective and dangerous, particularly for individuals at risk for infection or with suppressed immune systems.

Wash Your Skin

Wash the affected skin twice a day using cool water and a mild disinfecting soap. Massage the skin using your fingers, not an abrasive loofa or washcloth. Your skin naturally accumulates a layer of sweat and bacteria throughout the day. Keeping your chafed skin clean reduces the bacteria near raw skin and the subsequent risk of fungal or bacterial infections.

Keep Dry

As you already know, the pain and discomfort of chafing increases significantly with perspiration. Keeping the affected skin clean prevents infection, keeping it dry allows recovery. Wear clothing made from smooth, natural fibers to increase circulation. For exercise-induced chafing, wear clothing made from breathable synthetic materials and avoid protruding seams, tags or ties that rub against your skin while moving.

Reduce Friction

Unlike irritation caused by clothing, areas prone to skin-on-skin chafing, like the groin, can be especially difficult to treat. Frequent applications of baby powder reduce the friction between skin patches, while eliminating moisture. If your chafing occurs in a bathing suit, rub a generous scoop of petroleum jelly into the affected area. Petroleum jelly helps lubricate and sooth, while creating frictionless contact between your skin.

Ointment

Severe cases of chafing causing welts, broken skin or even bleeding, a more potent ointment is necessary. Chafing is similar in affliction to diaper rash, so apply a thick diaper cream to discourage further irritation, protect your skin and encouraging healing. Apply the diaper cream before bed to avoid staining your clothing. As you lie still and sleep, your chafed skin absorbs the medicinal value of the diaper cream. Combine this treatment with other healing measures, such as powder and breathable clothing, during the day.

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