Imagine yourself walking on the streets when the temperature hits 38 °C. How do you feel? Hot, tired, and drenched in sweat? Do your legs rub together? Real Problem: Your skin is on fire! What do you think is the reason for this thigh chafing, apart from the heat? How can you prevent underwear chafing? I’ve developed this blog with all the answers to your questions about skin chafing its causes, treatment options, precautions, and home remedies. Read along to learn more.
Let’s Talk about Chafing
In simple terms, chafing is the irritation of the skin caused by repetitive friction against the skin or clothes. Chafed skin can appear as a rash, bump, burning, itching, or blisters. It is common in areas such as the inner thighs, groynes, armpits, buttocks, and under your breasts.
We all would have experienced this problem at least once in our lifetime. But what matters the most is how you handle the situation. First, you need to find out why this commotion occurs. Is it a skin-to-skin rub or a skin-to-cloth rub? And if you find out why, you should stop it immediately. This is because your symptoms may worsen if you continue your activities.
Does it occur only during the summer? Not at all! If you are a sports or gym person, you can often experience chafing due to vigorous movements. And what about those who don’t engage in physical activity? Will they be free from this chafing? No, again, because the clothes and underwear we use cause chafing.
So irrespective of any activity or climate, anyone can experience skin chafing.
How to Treat Underwear chafing?
Once you suffer from chafing, don’t simply avoid it. It must be treated ASAP. First, stop the activity or clothes that cause the chafing. Clean the affected area with mild soap and water, and gently pat it dry with a clean towel. You can apply petroleum jelly to the affected area once your skin is completely dry to lubricate and protect the skin.
During this period, wear well-fitted clothes that do not rub against the affected area. Give your skin enough time to heal before being active again. If your skin is properly treated, you will feel better overnight or at least in a few days.
If your skin condition does not improve even after these simple self-care measures, consult your doctor immediately. They might recommend antibiotic ointments, gels, or lotions based on your skin condition.
How to Prevent Underwear chafing?
It is good that you treated your chafed skin well, but can you prevent it? Why not? You can easily prevent underwear chafing by avoiding these four factors.
1. Avoid Friction on Skin
Friction caused by wet skin is the biggest enemy. When the skin is rubbed against the skin or clothes, it is prone to chafing. Apply talcum powder or alum powder to prevent sweat and friction. Powders can easily wick away moisture and keep your skin dry.
2. Avoid Loose-Fitting Garments
As I said earlier, fabric plays a major role in causing skin irritation. Any clothing or underwear that is loose on the skin, absorbs moisture, and does not dry quickly can rub against the skin, causing friction. The less movement of the fabric, the less itchy the skin. So make sure you wear proper-fitting clothes that wick away moisture during your physical activities. Your workout clothes should be made from synthetic nylon, polyester, or spandex fiber. Wearing compression shorts can prevent thigh chafing, and sports bras and gym leggings can prevent chafing under your breasts, hips, thighs, etc. during exercise.
3. Avoid Physical Activities during Hot Weather
Complete your physical activities in the early morning or late evening. Don’t do any outdoor activities in hot weather. And if you are in a situation to go out during extreme heat, make sure you wear appropriate clothes to prevent chafing.
4. Try to Avoid Sweat
What does the heat cause? Sweat. This sweat, in turn, can cause friction, which then results in skin chafing. To avoid sweat, always put on the right clothing and try to be in a ventilated or air-conditioned environment.
Best Underwear for Women to Prevent Chafing
I hope you now have an idea of how to prevent and treat skin chafing. Now, shall we look at some underwear styles to prevent chafing?
1. Boy Shorts
It is a comfortable garment to prevent your skin from chafing. As it provides optimum coverage from the waist to the thighs, it prevents the thighs from rubbing together. Wearing boyshorts with soft and stretchable fabrics can elegantly hug the waist and give you a snug fit. And boyshorts made from premium fabrics keep your skin cool and breathable, thereby preventing sweaty skin.
2. Cycling Shorts
Cycling shorts with a proper fit and breathable fabric can prevent chafing and skin irritation by reducing the friction between your skin and the clothing. Make sure you do not wear any underwear with the cycling shorts. And always wear clean and dry shorts on your dry skin.
3. Sports Bra
Prevent breast, nipple, and underarm chafing by wearing a properly fitted sports bra during physical activities. They provide proper support for your breasts by preventing unwanted bounces and movements. These bras are specially designed with moisture-wicking fabric, which wicks away sweat and keeps you dry and comfortable during your physical activities. Since Nipple covers also play an ample role in preventing nipple chafing.
Home Remedies to Cure Skin Chafing
How can I end this blog without handy and simple home remedies? Try out these easy remedies and get relief from this irritating and painful skin problem at home.
1. Turmeric Paste
Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with water to make a thick paste. Apply this to your affected area and leave it for 20–30 minutes. Then simply wash them with lukewarm water and pat them dry. This remedy not only cures chafing but also brightens your dark area.
2. Neem Leaves
Take a bowl of crushed neem leaves or neem powder and squeeze half a lemon into that to form a paste. This remedy will cure chafing and also prevent any skin problems in the future.
3. Aloe Vera Gel
Extract fresh aloe gel from the leaves and wash it several times before grinding it to get juice. You can directly apply the prepared aloe juice to the affected areas and wash it away after 30 minutes. This remedy will relieve your painful skin.
4. Ghee
Ghee consists of therapeutic and moisturising elements that work wonders on the skin. Spread a thin layer of ghee on the chaffed skin twice a day to treat rough, reddened, and inflamed skin.
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an excellent remedy for skin chafing. Apply coconut oil to the affected area to reduce inflammation. Its lubrication property prevents further chafing.
6. Talcum Powder
This is a remedy that I have followed since I was a child. All you have to do is dust the affected area with some talcum powder and leave the area undisturbed. You will feel instantly cool and free from irritation and pain. Reapply the powder as often as needed, especially when you sweat or after your shower.
7. Petroleum Jelly
Applying petroleum jelly to the affected area creates a slippery surface over the skin. It prevents friction on the skin and blocks moisture. It is also a cost-effective solution.
For Chaff-Free Days
Though skin chafing is a real pain, you no longer have to worry about it. Prevent underwear chafing by understanding the causes, choosing the right underwear, and following simple home remedies. So, the next time you find yourself in this situation, you know what to do. Enjoy every season and every activity without the worry of skin chafing. Your journey to chaff-free days begins now!