There’s nothing worse than getting back from a great run outside, only to hop in the shower and start to feel the burn from chafing coming on. Chafing is the super uncomfortable and irritating sensation that occurs when skin rubs against skin or clothing, usually while working out. It’s common in the areas of your body that have folds, such as your buttocks, under boob area, groin and underarms. If certain areas of your body are prone to chafing, you need to see these prevention tips and natural remedies for chafing!
What is Chafing?
Chafing is damage to the skin due to persistent rubbing, either where skin rubs against skin, clothing or other material. Since moist skin is more prone to damage, you’re more likely to experience chafing when you sweat. Salt crystals form when sweat evaporates, adding grit that leads to friction and chafing.
Common causes of chafing include intense exercise, ill-fitting clothes, excess skin and hot weather. Straps are another source of pressure that can lead to chafing. Chafing can happen to anyone and although it can be painful, it’s usually mild and easy to treat. However, if the activity that led to the chafing continues, the symptoms can get worse and can lead to an infection.
6 Common Areas for Chafing to Occur
- Inner thigh
- Groin
- Buttocks
- Armpits
- Under your breasts
- Nipples
11 Signs & Symptoms of Chafing
Mild Symptoms
- Red rash
- Raised bumps
- Hot feeling at the affected area
- Stinging or burning
- Itching and irritation
- Tender skin
- Dry, flaky skin
Severe Symptoms
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- Swelling of the affected area
- Cracked or broken skin
- Bleeding
- Blisters and sores
5 Tips to Prevent Chafing
1. Apply An Oil-Based Balm
An oil-based balm like the YORO Naturals Manuka Skin Soothing Cream works super well to prevent chafing. It’s soft and silky, providing a nice glide that prevents your skin areas from rubbing each other raw. It’s super soothing for even the most sensitive skin- apply it anywhere on your body prone to chafing before your workouts!
2. Wear The Right Clothing While Working Out
To prevent chafing while working out, wearing close-fitting clothing is the way to go. Bike shorts or compression shorts provide a skin-tight fit that prevents chafing for the thigh and lower body area. On top, look for skin-tight polypropylene or lycra/spandex fabrics. Your clothes should be made of sweat-wicking fabrics and should be seamless or flat-seemed in areas prone to chafing.
3. Stay Hydrated
Make sure to drink the recommended amount of water everyday (around 6 to 8 glasses per day) and more when you’re working out. As you become dehydrated, the concentration of salt in your sweat increases. Salt irritates the skin and can lead to friction that causes chafing. Staying hydrated can help you prevent chafing.
4. Use Vaseline
Vaseline provides a slippery surface and isn’t easily absorbed into the skin, so it can help prevent chafing. It will keep your skin areas sliding past each other instead of rubbing against each other. Apply it liberally before your workout to areas prone to chafing to prevent irritation.
5. Stop What You’re Doing
If you’re doing a certain exercise and notice chafing, stop what you’re doing as soon as you can. Continuing is only going to make it worse, so it’s best to get ahead of it. Take a break from the type of exercise you were doing- your body needs a chance to recover instead of pushing through. Also make sure to thoroughly clean and dry the area before doing anything else.
5 Natural Chafing Remedies
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has long been used for medicinal purposes. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory and is known for its ability to soothe and treat burned skin. It can also help reduce irritation and inflammation caused by chafing. You can use organic aloe vera gel or if you have an aloe plant, break off a leaf, squeeze the gel out and apply it to the affected area.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can help with inflammation, wound healing and prevent the growth of bacteria on the skin. It penetrates the skin quickly and efficiently, which can provide relief for irritated, chafed skin. Keep in mind it can rub off easily, so you may have to keep reapplying it.
3. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly, like Vaseline, can help with irritation and pain, and can heal minor wounds. As we mentioned above, it also works to prevent chafing since it isn’t quickly absorbed into the skin. Apply petroleum jelly to chafed skin to help reduce further irritation and help you heal quicker.
4. Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal baths are used to soothe skin ailments from chicken pox to sunburns, and now you can add skin chafing to the list. Oatmeal has a range of medicinal qualities that soothe and moisturize inflamed skin, so it can really help if you’re experiencing irritation. Run a bath with warm water and add 1-2 cups of steel cut oatmeal, allowing the oats to soak for a few minutes before getting into the tub.
5. Cornstarch or (Talc-Free) Baby Powder
You likely have cornstarch, baby powder, or both at home. They absorb extra moisture from the skin and reduce itching, so sprinkle either one on your chafed skin so it covers the entire affected area. Cornstarch has been found to have antibacterial properties, which may help prevent damaged skin from getting infected.
Chafing can be painful and irritating but it’s usually not serious. Use these prevention tips and home treatments to stop chafing in its tracks!
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