Chafing

Symptoms of Chafing

As previously mentioned, chafing causes rashes that mainly develop in the armpits, groin, and nipples. The symptoms of chafing include skin irritation, inflammation with a stinging and burning sensation, mild blister formation, itchiness, and in some cases slight bleeding because of excessive friction or scratching of the chafed area.

	Wear appropriate clothing: Although flowing, loose-fitting clothing may be more appropriate for certain activities, such as walking leisurely, a snug-fitting top and bicycle shorts are recommended for other activities, such as cycling. Ensure that workout-gear fits well so that skin-to-skin friction is avoided. Also avoid wearing new clothing on a long trek. Remember, you cannot avoid sweating but you can ensure that sweating will not cause discomfort by wearing activity-specific clothing.
	Stay lubricated: Keeping the skin lubricated by using products such as petroleum jelly to prevent chafing is a great idea. Ideally, choose products that are fragrance free and non-staining to avoid possible allergic reactions to these products.
	Stay dry: Sweating will aggravate the condition so staying dry is always recommended. Do not overuse the deodorant stick because that will cause excess stickiness. Utilize talcum powder (medicated or regular) to maintain dryness. Cornstarch or potato starch can also be used for this purpose.
	Stay hydrated: Drink enough water to maintain hydration during physical activity. Water also enables the individual to perspire profusely and prevent chafing because, after the consumption of water, the sweat will not dry on the body and leave salt deposits on the skin.

Natural Cures

The best way to cope with chafing is to prevent the condition. There are some natural cures that may be used to prevent chafing and to heal the chafed area.

Talcum powder

Sprinkle talcum powder over your chafing-prone areas before wearing clothes. This process will aid in curing the skin irritation that is caused by chafing in addition to helping to subdue friction. Utilize potato starch or cornstarch to maintain smoothness and dryness in the skin. Ensure that the area is completely dry before you apply powder to it.

Ointments

Lubricants, ointments, lotions or creams can prevent friction and rubbing in the vulnerable areas because these products make the friction-prone areas slippery and reduce the risk of chafing caused by the rubbing of the skin. Vitamin E, Aloe, Petroleum jelly, Zinc Oxide cream, cortisone cream or other such lotions may be utilized.

Shea butter

Shea butter, which is extremely high in Vitamins A, E and F, may be used to treat a variety of skin disorders. Apply raw shea butter or ointments and creams with shea butter as a major ingredient to the chafed area. Shea butter can also be used as a lubricant to prevent chafing.

Aloe

Aloe Vera gel can be utilized to cure several skin ailments including chafing. To utilize this treatment, break the Aloe leaf and apply the clear gel that seeps out to the chafed area for immediate relief.

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