Chafing & Razor Burn
When skin rubs against skin, clothing, or other materials it can become raw and irritated. Whether you lead an active lifestyle or simply have a few curvy areas, chafing can make everyday activities like walking annoying--if not downright painful.
Shaving is a convenient way to remove unwanted hair, but razor burn is a common side effect that can cause irritation on some of the most sensitive areas of the body like the bikini line. Razor burn can cause your hair follicles to become painfully inflamed. Waxing can also cause red, raised, raw skin similar to shaving.
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SYMPTOMS
Chafing symptoms include a patch of red, raised skin that is painful to touch. When chafing is severe, the skin can even blister, peel and sometimes bleed.
Razor burned skin can be itchy with red or pink, rash-like bumps that can range from a mild, topical irritation to full inflammation of the hair follicles
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CAUSES
When skin rubs against skin, clothing, or other material, it wears down the outer layers and may cause irritation, especially in areas like under the arms, between the thighs and under breasts.
Examples include:
- inner thighs rubbing together from walking or exercise
- arms rubbing against sides in repetitive motion
- under breasts and friction from bra
- folds of skin trapping sweat
Shaving with a dull razor or applying too much force to the skin with the razor can cause razor burn. Sensitive skin can also be a culprit.
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TREATMENT
The best treatment for chafing or razor burn is to protect the skin. Chafing Relief Powder Gel® from MONISTAT CARE® forms a breathable moisture control barrier on the skin to fight friction. It combines the protective benefits of lotion and powder to protect the skin from irritation caused by moisture, heat, physical activity, and shaving.
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PREVENTION
You can prevent chafing by keeping the areas that are most affected dry and protected. In areas that are prone to chafing, apply Chafing Relief Powder Gel® from MONISTAT CARE®. Both a lotion and a powder, skin is protected by a breathable moisture control barrier that fights friction.
To prevent razor burn, use a lubricant to soften the hair and ease the glide of the razor over skin. Preparing skin by wetting it with warm water also helps to open the hair follicle. Also, shave in the right direction with a clean, sharp razor. After shaving, use Chafing Relief Powder Gel® from MONISTAT CARE® to reduce redness and irritation.
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WHEN TO SEE YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL
If symptoms last more than 7 days, or clear up and then occur again within a few days, see your healthcare professional. For help starting the conversation about your feminine and vaginal health, download our Doctor Discussion Guide.