Chafing

Does your skin-or your clothing-rub you the wrong way? If so,you’re probably suffering from a condition called chafing. While ehafing is rarely a serious problem, nothing can take the spring out of your step like sore, irritated, chafed skin.
Chafing is a condition in which the skin’s normal balancing act is disturbed. Normally, the body constantly sheds the skin cells, a few at a time and replaces them with a new skin. During chafing, persistent friction against the skin rubs off more of the skin’s outer layer than the skin is able to replenish.
Target zones for chafing includes the upper, inner thighs; under the arms; beneath the breasts in women; and surprisingly, men’s nipples.

6 WAYS TO SNUB THE RUB


KEEP YOUR CLOTHES CLEAN.
This is especially important for the outfits you job or exercise in. Dirt and sweat can accumulate in fabric and act as an irritant, a mild cleanser, and wash clothes frequently.

GO EASY ON THE BLEACH.
Bleach can irritate chafed skin. I’ve seen this particularly in people who do martial arts. They will often wash their uniforms in bleach and may not wash the bleach out thoroughly enough. Avoid bleaching your clothes, or at least make sure the bleach is thoroughly rinsed out.

RINSE YOUR SUIT.
The chlorine used in swimming pools can also irritate chafed skin, so after a swim in a chlorinated pool, be sure to rinse off your suit and your skin.

SPRINKLE WITH POWDER.
Powder, applied to chafed areas during the day or before a workout, can act as a buffer and cut down on friction. Using powder may prevent a mild case of chafing from progressing into a more serious one. If you’re chafed in the groin area and you’ve had a fungal infection such as jock itch in the past, an over-the-counter antifungal powder may be in order.

DAB ON SOME CREAM.
Applying 0.5 percent or 1 percent hydrocortisone cream, you can apply the cream during the day or, if you find that too messy, you can put it on only at night. Using soap and water to wash off the cream, as that can further irritate chafed skin.

GIVE YOUR UNDERARMS A BREAK.
Hold off on deodorants or antiperspirants-or at least use them sparingly-if your underarms are chafed. Until the condition clears, don’t shave or trim the hair in your armpits. These practices will only further aggravate the skin.