Chafing, Symptoms, Prevention & Home Remedies for Chafing Treatment
Brief Introduction
When your skin is constantly rubbing against something; even your own skin, it will cause irritation, redness and swelling called chafing. It usually occurs around the inner thigh, underarms, groin and nipple. Anyone acquire this condition but it is common to athletes and obese or over weight people.
Causes of Chafing
Chafing can be cause by the following:
Friction - this is the main and most common cause of chafing.
Over weight - this is because skin is more frequently in contact with friction.
Tight clothes - it can create friction and can irritate your skin.
Poorly fitted undergarments - tight undergarments can create friction and accumulate sweat that can worsen the situation.
Poor Hygiene-it can make your skin more vulnerable to chafing. Sweat and bacteria can also add up to the problem.
How to prevent Chafing?
There are lots of things you can do to prevent chafing. Simply follow these steps:
Keep your skin cool, dry and clean.
If possible wear clothes that are made from cotton and other soft materials.
Keep yourself hydrated; drink lots of water.
Use talcum powder to keep yourself dry.
Use clean and dry clothes.
You can use petroleum-free lubricants to avoid blister and lessen friction.
Home Remedies for Chafing Treatment
There are lots of over the counter medications for chafing, although it is effective it may cause chemical allergies or long term side effects. There are available alternative remedies that are safer than and as effective as over the counter drugs. If you are suffering from chafing, you can do these simple and effective home made remedies:
Tea tree oil - treat chafing like an open wound. Apply tea tree oil directly to the affected area; this has antibacterial properties that can help cure chafing.
Cornstarch - it helps in decreasing friction and sweat. It also cools down the skin and keeps it dry.
Aloe Vera - it soothes the irritation and pain. It also helps in moisturizing the skin.
Calendula oil - it has anti-inflammatory, anti bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is great in treating skin diseases such as chafing.
Zinc oxide - simply mixes it with olive oil or other mineral oil and applies directly to the infected area.
Home made lubricant - this is one of the most popular and commonly use treatment for chafing. Simply mix ¼ cup each of Vitamin E cream and Aloe Vera.
Other Suggestions:
If you are experiencing recurrent chafing, chances are your skin is too dry. So it is recommended that you drink lots of water and eat foods that are rich in Vitamin A, C and Zinc. You should always moisturize your skin by applying lotions and creams.
Another situation that can lead to chafing is excessive sweating. So to avoid chafing always apply deodorant under your arms and wear loose and soft clothes to fell cool and comfortable. If you are into exercise; try exercising at night when it is cooler, that way you won't sweat as much as you do in the morning.
And since chafing is like open wound, you must give it time to recover and heal. Stop going to the gym, walking or jogging.
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