What Is Chafing?

Chafing is nothing but simply a skin irritation that can be painful. It is caused when two body parts lacking a good level of moisture, rub against each other. The affected area becomes red and burning pain also occurs.

Common causes of chafing

Chafing is caused whenever there is excess of sweating or rubbing. It is said that chafing is a signal that indicates that you have to lose weight. It is mainly caused in the underarms, groin area and nipples but can happen anywhere on the body where there is friction produced due to any movement.

Prevention of chafing

Chafing can be prevented if you are a little bit cautious about yourself. Never apply deodorants as they can become sticky, instead use a powder. Keep yourself hydrated and drink a lot of water during the day and while you exercise. This would not let the salt present in the sweat to accumulate on the skin, as this is the main cause of chafing.

Whenever you exercise, apply some petroleum jelly or something of the kind to prevent skin rubbing against each other. Applying some creams would help in sliding the skin than rubbing as rubbing produces friction, which in turn causes chafing.

Never wear something synthetic as when you sweat it would stick to it making the area wet and causing friction leading to chafing. Cornstarch when rubbed to the areas, which rub against each other, can prevent chafing.

For women it’s necessary to wear fitted bra as wearing loose ones can cause chafing of the nipples, which is very horrible.

When the skin gets chaffed treat it as an open wound. Wash the area and apply antiseptic to prevent the infection from spreading. Apply diaper rash cream, as it is very effective.

Make a paste with oatmeal and olive oil. Spread it over the area and leave for 20-30 minutes. It will give you relief and help to treat chafing.