Chaffin is a common skin problem caused by a combination of friction, moisture, and irritating fabric. Persistent rubbing on the skin makes it sting or burn. When that happens, you will develop a mild, red rash. In extreme cases, chafing include bleeding, swelling, or crusting.
You are more likely to develop chafing on your body parts that rub against each other or the body parts that rub against your clothing. These include thighs, buttocks, underarms, nipple area, groin, etc.
The most common causes of skin chafing include:
- Obesity/overweight
- Diapers
- Nursing/breastfeeding
- Sports
- Certain types of clothing
- Too tight clothes
- Sweating
If you have chafed skin, the best you can do is to seek treatment for chafing as soon as possible to prevent it from getting severe. There are tips that can help you prevent your skin from chafing. In this article, we explore these tips. So, without wasting time, let’s delve into them.
- Invest in moisture-wicking fabrics
As already stated above, moisture and sweat are key contributors to chafed skin. It usually results from continuous movements during exercise. For example, your inner thighs rubbing as you run. So, sweat and friction between the thighs can cause chafing.
For this, you need to invest in good clothing when doing any kind of exercise, whether you are at the gym or cycling. Moisture-wicking fabric is an ideal option, whether it is shirts or pants. They are not only comfortable, but they reduce friction and absorb sweat, leaving your skin dry.
- Make sure you are always dry
Too much moisture on your skin makes you more prone to chafing. Before you head outside, you can apply a powder or antiperspirant deodorant to the parts of your body where chafing is more likely to occur, such as underarms, thighs, and feet. In addition to that, you should change your wet or sweaty clothes immediately after you finish exercising.
- Washing after exercises
You should not just change your sweaty clothes as soon as possible. You should also wash after sweating. It is advisable to immediately wash after exercise because when sweat dries on the skin, it leaves a gritty layer of salt that can cause friction, leaving your skin prone to chafing.
- Taking care of the nipples when breastfeeding
For nursing mums, it is important for them to keep their nipples clean and dry while breastfeeding. Opt for bras that are designed for breastfeeding since they have soft pads that can relieve discomfort. Avoid wearing irritating fabric as well. You can also place disposable pads in the bra to help reduce moisture.
- Protect your skin with an anti-chafe balm
Now that you have dealt with clothing and other external factors that can cause chafing, lets now see the product you can use on your skin to prevent chafing. You need look for a product that can prevent friction. One of the best ways to reduce that friction is using a formula made specifically with chafe in mind. An anti-chafe balm is an ideal option. Not only does it protect the skin, but it also provides a barrier to friction. However, remember to seek treatment for chafing if all of the above things don’t work.
