Essential Tips for Preventing Summer Chafing
You don’t have to be an athlete to have problems with chafing. In fact, a chafing rash is a common skin problem that can occur wherever there is repeated friction. Skin can become red and irritated to a point that leaves you desperate for relief. But, understanding why chafing occurs and where it most commonly happens can help you prevent chafing and treat it before it becomes raw and painful.
Common Areas Prone to Chafing
People of all shapes and sizes can experience chafing. It typically occurs in areas with skin folds, where parts of the body rub against each other, or where clothing gets tight or rubs.
The areas most prone to chafing are:
- Thighs — Often worse in hot weather, thigh chafing occurs from skin-to-skin contact or friction from clothing. This can be especially uncomfortable during activities such as running or walking.
- Underarms — The combination of dry skin, underarm sweat, and friction from your shirt can lead to chafing here.
- Groin — Friction and moisture make the groin area highly susceptible to chafing. The skin here is very delicate and easily irritated.
- Breast and nipple — The areas under your breasts are common for chafing. Nipple chafing is common for athletes. The constant movement and friction in these areas can cause significant discomfort.
- Buttocks — Extra moisture, particularly during hot weather, can cause chafing between your buttocks. You can also experience it where your bottom meets your upper legs.
- Feet — Often overlooked due to blisters, foot chafing occurs when your skin is sweaty and slipping around. You may notice you get more blisters in the summertime, while exercising, or when wearing ill-fitting or new shoes.
Choosing the Right Clothing
Chafing can be caused by clothing as well, so fit and choice of fabric become crucial. Reach for breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics such as cotton, linen, and bamboo. These materials help keep your skin dry and reduce friction. Natural materials like these are also your best bet for hot climates.
Avoid tight and restrictive clothing, too. Tight clothes can trap moisture and cause friction. Look for seamless and tagless performance fabrics made for the activities you’re participating in.
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Tips for Chafing Relief and Prevention
- Stay hydrated — Dehydrated skin loses its natural lubrication abilities, thus making it easier for skin to chafe. Drink water, eat hydrating foods, and limit caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid inflammatory foods — Some foods may cause or contribute to inflammation in the body, causing sensitive skin to become more prone to rash and chafing. Stay away from sugary beverages and foods, processed meats, and fried foods.
- Change wet/damp clothing immediately — After a sweaty workout or a trip to the pool or beach, change out of your damp clothes as soon as possible. This will make it easier to avoid moisture building up in areas that might be prone to chafing and give you a chance to dry off and protect any irritated areas.
- Rinse off — Rinse or shower off sweat after high-sweat activities. Use mild soap on chafed skin and pat those areas dry to prevent further irritation.
- Wear the right clothes for the right activity — Choose loose-fitting clothes and proper clothing for physical activities. Wear bike shorts to help avoid irritation from the seat while riding. Consider pairing thigh bands or shapewear under skirts and dresses if you’re especially prone to thigh chafing.
- Apply a skin protectant S— Apply a chafing gel to areas prone to chafing. Keep it handy for reapplication if you’ve got a busy day ahead.
- Maintain skin health —Protect your chafed skin promptly, giving it time to heal to prevent it from worsening. If you develop a fever, a rash that blisters, or swelling, consult your doctor as you might have developed an infection.
Understanding the causes and prevention of chafing can help you stay comfortable and avoid irritation, especially during the summer months. However, these tips can be applied to any time of year, such as when exercising or when you’re wrapped in layers of clothing to protect against the cold. If you do see signs of chafing, tend to your skin right away to lessen the chance of it getting worse.