Chafing Advice

See Also: Chafing Products - Sweat Rash - Chafing of the Buttocks - Chafing of the Groin - Chafing of the Nipples - Chafing of the Thighs

About Chafing

Chafing of the skin is the irritation caused when your skin rubs against skin, clothing or other material for an extended amount of time.

When your skin rubs up against skin, clothing or other materials, the friction generated can lead to soreness and irritation. This is know as chafing. Chafing generally occurs during sport or other physical activity, but it can also be a problem in our day-to-day lives, especially during hot weather or when performing tasks with repetitive actions.

Chafing is usually characterised by a raised red rash that stings to the touch. In severe cases, chafing can lead to blisters or sore, broken skin. If left untreated, the condition can lead to inflamed skin and the chance of infection.

Chafing commonly occurs in areas such as the thighs, shoulders, hips, nipples, groin, buttocks, under the breasts and under the arms.

Causes of Chafing

Chafing is usually caused by rubbing experienced during extended periods of activity. Situations that lead to chafing can be further aggravated by sweating caused by hot weather or physical exertion. Ill-fitting clothing can also be a cause of chafing, particularly tight waistbands, rough seams and even clothing labels. Chafing of the thighs is a common example of chafing caused by skin on skin contact, while chafing of the nipples is a common example of chafing caused by clothing against skin. Overweight and obese individuals are often prone to the irritation of chafing.

Preventing Chafing

Good prevention is perhaps the best way to deal with chafing. It is important to wear well-fitting clothing that is not too tight nor too loose. Clean, dry clothes made from natural fibres are best as they allow the skin to breathe; damp clothing that clings to the skin can encourage chafing as can unclean garments containing dried sweat, dirt and other irritants.

If you are prone to chafing in certain areas, then it is wise to take extra precautions. Petroleum jelly and baby powder can be used to reduce friction, while talcum powder and antiperspirants can be used to reduce chafing caused by sweating.

To help eliminate friction against your skin during sports or other physical activity, special measures may need to be taken. Again, appropriate clothing and barriers are a good first step. Athletic leggings or cycling shorts will help to stop chafing of the thighs, while petroleum jelly or plasters can help prevent chafing of the nipples.

Treatments for Chafing

If you are experiencing sore, irritated skin as a result of chafing, it is likely you will want to treat the condition as soon as possible. Protecting the skin to prevent further irritation is important, a barrier cream or emollient such as petroleum jelly a good start. There are now several dedicated chafing prevention and treatment products available on the market. Two notable products are Lanacane Anti-Chafing Gel and Neat 3B Action Cream. Lanacane Anti-Chafing Gel has a unique anti-friction formula that dries on contact to form a breathable, protective barrier on the skin to help heal sore skin while preventing further irritation. Neat 3B ACtion Cream is a dual-action antiperspirant and protective emollient that is ideal for cases of chafing where sweating is a problem.

While treating chafed skin, it is important to keep the affected area clean and dry. If you are overweight, chafing can be a particular nuisance. It can occur along the skin folds and can be much more prone to triggering a fungal skin infection. If this is the case, using an antifungal as well as a chafing treatment is highly recommended.

To view our range of chafing products please visit our main chafing page.