What is chafed skin? This refers to the wearing away of the skin from constant rubbing through friction. Skin chafing is common between legs, inner thighs, armpits, buttocks, butt crack and may also be experienced under breasts in women. Continue reading below to see more on how to get rid of chafing, fast, overnight, what to do at home for irritation and bumps caused by chaffing, remedies, and treatment.
Overweight people or obese individuals experience skin chafing a lot. This is due to the fact that the areas where there are heavy skin folds tend to be moist. The constant rubbing of the skin against the sweat on skin folds will definitely cause chaffing.
Other skin diseases and underlying ailments may also cause this annoying skin condition and incases you use all recommended home remedies and treatments but skin chafing won’t go away, see you dermatologist for a proper checkup.
Causes of Chafed Skin
If you’ve ever walked back from a beach wearing a wet swimsuit, then you might have experienced a general discomfort – it can be the thighs rubbing together, or maybe it might be a seam that is rubbing along the underarm or even the groin.
1. Friction
The friction that is brought about by the two things that are rubbing together usually irritates the skin until it is left chapped, red, and very raw, thus producing a painful stinging or even a burning sensation.
Chafe occurs when skin meets another skin, or even the skin meets fabric. Any place on the body where the skin is in close contact with other skin or even the fabric is a potential chafe or a blister zone.
2. Overweight
One of the most common misconceptions about chafing is that it is due to being fat or being overweight. This is absolutely not true – since chafing can occur to any person, and can happen on any part of the body.
3. Body areas
Normally it’s the sweatiest areas that are more prone to chafe – especially the thighs, groin as well as the underarms. Athletes and also the sportspeople will understand this all better – since chafe and exercise normally go hand-in-hand.
Women can as well suffer chafe under breasts or where the bra sits, while men are susceptible to ‘runner’s nipple’. (That’s the skin on the nipple is usually rubbed so raw that it can even bleed)
4. Environmental conditions
Chafe is able to happen any time, but it thrives more in moisture.
Your sweaty areas (such as the thighs, groin, and underarms) provide a perfect condition – as once the sweat dries it then crystalizes into salt on the skin, thus increasing the chance of friction and thus chafe.
Moisture that is in the environment does the same thing – you’ll observe a lot of humidity or even the rain making you be more prone to chafed skin when the water traps itself between clothing and skin.
You’re at a higher risk from chafe if:
- You’re a salty sweater
- You’re much dehydrated
- You usually experience sensitive skin
- You work out for longer periods of time
- The clothing is worn or with bad seams
- You exercise in the rain or even the humid conditions
5. Clothing
Believe it or not, loose-fitting clothing is likely to rub against the skin than the clothes which are close-fitting. Don’t wear very tight though, as clothes should be able to allow you to move freely and thus give you a bit of airflow.
- The best thing that you can put on to minimize chafed skin is a synthetic fabric. That’s the reason why you’ll often the athletes in polyester – the fibers are just plastic so that they’re nonabsorbent (so that they don’t take on any moisture). Synthetic fibers are the best as they reduce any friction, are lightweight, and also dry faster.
Avoid cotton clothing at all costs – since it soaks up the moisture and can stay wet for a longer period of time than most of the fabrics.
If you’re actually looking to reduce friction and thus chafed skin, the best option is choosing clothes that have very few seams, flat seams, and also the small flat stitches.
Chafing Groin
Chafing of the groin is a problem that affects most of the people, male and also female. By definition, the groin is the area that is between the abdomen and also the thigh; chafing of the area usually includes chafing of scrotum or the labia.
As with many cases of chafing, chafing of the groin is brought about by skin rubbing against another skin or even the clothing. Since the groin is always underclothes, sweating can probably be a particular factor.
Treating & Preventing Chafing of the Groin
1. Wear clothing that allows air to circulate
Natural fabrics like cotton are recommended overuse of the synthetic materials, but sometimes this isn’t the only case.
- If you are more prone to excessive sweating that occurs around the groin area, cotton underwear might encourage chafed skin, as it tends to absorb more sweat and stay damper.
So, if chafing of the groin is a problem for you, it can thus be worth choosing the underwear that has cotton and modern, as well as the moisture-wicking materials.
2. Keep dry
Use of baby powder can assist to keep you fresh and also very dry but be warned that these are able to clump with the excessive sweating. Some powders have a triple-action formula that can keep a person dry, soothe itching and assist to prevent chafing.
Other powders can assist to absorb excess moisture so as to prevent chafing of the groin and also get rid of the unpleasant odors. Other powders can be used to absorb the excess amounts of moisture. A good antiperspirant is something that is able to be easily overlooked.
3. Lubricate
Keeping the skin lubricated can also assist to reduce friction and also irritation. Products like petroleum jelly and also the baby oil are very popular solutions, but they are able to make a mess of clothing.
While not being a lubricant, Lanacane Anti-Chafing Gel is a clear, non-greasy gel that has an anti-friction formula that dries on contact to form a breathable, friction-reducing barrier on the skin.
4. Don’t shave
This might sound to be an odd solution, but hair is able to act as a natural barrier occurring between skin, wick moisture, and also assist the air to circulate. If you shave the body hair, then this might be a factor in the cause of chafing.
To people who might prefer a more ‘streamlined’ appearance in the area, allowing the hair to grow might not be the ideal solution. But, if chafed skin in the area can be a real problem, then this is something worth bearing in mind.
Inner Thighs/Chaffing between Legs/Bumps (inner thigh Chafing Bumps)
When the skin that is found on the inner thighs rubs together, it is able to create an uncomfortable patch of raw-feeling skin.
- It’s a feeling most of the runners and also the athletes understand very well. If not treated as required, chafed skin is able to become sore and irritated, which is the reason why it’s important to practice well aftercare and take appropriate measures to assist in the prevention of chafing thighs in the future.
Anyone can have chafed skin, but some other people are prone to developing the sore, red patches of skin. If you’re an avid runner or even an athlete, or if you frequently wear dresses in very hot, humid weather, then you might notice that you have the symptoms of chafing very much regularly.
If you want to understand how to assist prevent chafing thighs and what to do if you do experience with chafed skin, then you should do the below to protect your thighs;
1. Bandelettes
Lace is the bee’s knees. People have an intense love for anything that is lingerie-esque, and when it comes to the lacey-looking-garter-stocking-things, they are much loved. But, the fun thigh-huggers aren’t simply put on so as to make a person appear (and feel) good, they prevent the thighs from rubbing away at any step.
If you’re not a proud fan of lace, then there are several other kinds of bandelettes that are very solid-colored, but work the same way.
2. Undergarment Shorts
There’s always a lot of security when a person is wearing shorts under skirts or even dresses. For one, you won’t have a bad moment happening where the people will see the undies. On top of that, they keep the thighs rub-free. Other people, however, dislike wearing the shapewear, which is what most undershorts are made of nowadays.
3. Boxer Briefs
Sure, they’re usually technically made for men, but they’re exactly the same thing as the undershorts. They’re underwear and stop chafed skin appearance.
Also, you only have to wear one thing under the outfits instead of them being two. What’s more awesome is that they’re very convenient to find and significantly cheaper than other brands.
For those men who are too bushy down there and keep on sweating and having issues with smelly chaffed skin on the groin, you may see more here how to shave your balls.
4. Anti-Chafing Product
Sometimes the thighs want to be free of any given material, more especially if it’s hot the outside. But this also implies that the thighs are likely to get sore. For this particular, there’s a brand known as the BodyGlide. It was designed for the athletes who are at higher risk of dealing with chaffing, or even the raw skin, so you understand that it can last.
But, if you’ve tried the brand or even you want to find another brand then look into Secret Shield, which is an all-natural friction defense stick. It is essentially the same product; that is, you use it in the same way in the areas that you’re trying to protect.
These particular products are good since you can carry them around in case you ever need to reapply while out.
5. Monistat Chafing Relief Powder-Gel
If you are looking for a mixture of both the gel and powder, then you should try Monistat Chafing Relief Powder-Gel. It’s usually in the aisle with all the vagina creams, but it isn’t in any way a vaginal cream. It is a great chafing solution for people who want to head out without any fear of friction burn. Apparently, you can also apply it as a face primer.
Chafing Buttocks
Chafing of the buttocks is an unpleasant and much irritating problem that is experienced by both men and women. Instances of the buttock chafing are very much common, especially among the physically active and very obese people.
Chafing of the buttocks normally comes in two varieties; chafing of bum cheeks and also chafing of the bum crack. The former chafing is usually brought about by the skin that is rubbing against clothing, while the latter is basically because of the skin on skin rubbing, which is normally exacerbated by moisture from sweating.
Treating & Preventing Chafing of the Buttocks
1. Let the buttocks breathe
As with other cases of chafed skin, allowing the fresh air to circulate and even let the buttock area breathe is normally recommended. But, for very clear reasons, this kind of solution might be very far from practical.
The buttocks are normally covered by the underwear and then another layer of clothing. If the problem is brought about by the fabric rubbing against cheeks, then it is a wise idea to try to wear something that is different, nothing too loose or very tight, preferably a material that ‘breathes’ or, or even allows the wicks moisture.
2. Stay dry
If you are more prone to chafed skin in the crack of the bum, then keep the area dry as a good preventative measure. A perfect antiperspirant or even an absorbent powder is also recommended, as are everyday products such as the talcum powder or even the baby powder.
- Neat 3B Action Cream is a handy dual-action antiperspirant and also an emollient that can assist to keep the area dry while protecting the skin.
Odaban Antiperspirant Spray comes in a pump pack and can greatly assist to curb any excessive sweating between buttocks.
- Zeasorb Absorbent Powder and Lanacane Mediated Body Powder can as well assist to keep the area very dry.
Both are applied directly to the skin or even sprinkled in clothing before being worn. Women might prefer the application of Vagisil Feminine Powder, which also assists to prevent feminine chafing and thus stop unpleasant odors.
3. Lube up
A lubricant can greatly assist to reduce friction and the irritation brought about by rubbing. A petroleum jelly, like Vaseline, is a very classic solution for the chafed skin between buttocks. As it is water-resistant, it thus will not get washed away by the sweat and thus keeping the cheeks gliding for a long period of time.
Petroleum jelly can, however, be hard to wash out of the clothing, so if you wish to reduce the rubbing on buttock cheeks, Lanacane Anti-Chafing Gel is recommended, non-greasy, anti-friction gel which usually dries on contact and won’t stain the clothing.
Chafed armpits
While we tend to think that painful and irritating skin conditions such as chafing solely affect areas such as the thighs, the skin under the arms is not off the hook.
- Areas like these are normally subjected to friction, one of the principal causes of chafed skin.
- If not treated very well, infection is able to arise from the environment, being that armpits may be a breeding ground of the yeast and bacteria.
Armpit chafing is brought about by a combination of friction, dry skin, and also the sweat.
Yeast and bacteria also tend to colonize the armpits as a byproduct of perspiration.
Just like eczema, which is normally sometimes very tough, chafed skin can pretty darn annoying, especially when it wreaks havoc on the inner skin.
This may cause uncomfortable rashes and also searing pain in the process, usually, at times we seem like we just can’t get a solution, once the bumps and blisters begin to appear.
Treatment of Skin Chafing
1. Clean the area
Carefully wash the affected skin area using a mild cleanser and rinse with enough amount of water. Pat the skin dry using a clean towel. Washing the chafed skin is especially vital if you’ve been sweating a lot. You’ll be required to wash away the perspiration before treatment of the skin.
- Avoid rubbing your skin very hard using a towel. You don’t need to further irritate the dry, peeling skin.
2. Apply powder
Sprinkle powder over the skin. This should assist to reduce the skin’s friction. You can apply the talc-free baby powder, cornstarch, or even another body powder. Avoid talcum powder, as some research indicates that it may be a carcinogen.
3. Apply an ointment
Use any kind of petroleum jelly, diaper rash cream, or any product that is designed to prevent chafed skin to reduce the skin’s friction.
Several products are specially designed so as to prevent chafing for athletes. Once you’ve used an ointment, you might want to cover the skin area with a bandage or even the sterile gauze pad.
- If the area is much painful or even bleeding, ask the doctor for a medicated ointment. You’ll be able to spread it on the area the same way as the petroleum jelly.
4. Apply ice packs
Cool the chafed skin by using an ice pack right after finishing the exercising or start to notice the irritation.
Make sure not to apply ice or even an ice pack directly to the skin, as this can damage the skin. Instead, wrap the ice pack in a towel or cloth and keep it near the chafed skin for about 30 minutes. This cooling sensation can provide you immediate relief.
5. Apply soothing gels or oils
Spread natural aloe vera gel directly from the plant onto the chafed skin area. You can also obtain the aloe vera, but make sure that it contains as few additives as possible.
This can calm the skin. You might also want to drop some drops of tea tree oil onto a cotton ball. Then, spread it over the skin. This is able to fight infection and assist the skin heal faster.
6. Take a soothing bath
Create a soothing mixture of about 3 cups baking soda and also about 10 drops of the lavender essential oil. Then add it to a running bath of the lukewarm water.
Avoid soaking in very hot water, which is able to dry out or even further irritate the skin. Soak for at least 30 minutes and then get out of the water and pat yourself dry using a clean towel.
- You can as well make a soothing tea so as to add to the tub. Boil about 1 cup of green tea, 1 cup of dried calendula, and 1 cup of dried chamomile in 2 quarts of water. Let the tea steep until the liquid cools, then strain it and pour it into the tub.
Know When to See a Doctor
Chafed skin is able to become infected and requires medical attention. If you see an infection or even a scaly red rash, go see a medical practitioner. You should also see the doctor if the chafed area is very painful or even debilitating and sensitive.