What’s chafing and what causes it?
“Chafing is the time period given to the type of irritant dermatitis that happens within the pores and skin after repeated friction. It tends to occur mostly within the pores and skin folds and between the thighs the place friction, warmth and moisture mix to wreak havoc in your pores and skin barrier,” says Maguiness. Paik notes that tight or tough clothes may result in chafing.
How can individuals stop chafing?
“To stop chafing, you will need to concentrate on optimizing your pores and skin barrier in these areas. Utilizing a moisturizer in these places proper after you bathe or bathe may also help lock water in and restore and strengthen the native pores and skin barrier,” says Maguiness. “I prefer to advocate a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cream or ointment primarily based moisturizer for these areas.” Maguiness and Paik additionally advocate choosing climate applicable clothes and avoiding materials that will trigger extra friction.
What elements do you have to search for in an anti-chafing cream?
“For the reason that aim is to assist moisturize the pores and skin and cut back friction, you need one thing thick. My choice is to succeed in for an ointment or balm for these areas. Elements equivalent to petrolatum, glycerin, coconut and sunflower oil are nice for this goal,” says Maguiness. She additionally recommends to keep away from formulation with fragrances or important oils, as these can exacerbate irritation.
If somebody does expertise chafing, how ought to they deal with it?
“If the pores and skin is purple or itchy, an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream may also help,” says Paik. Maguiness additionally says making use of a “plain petrolatum primarily based ointment, equivalent to Vaseline or Aquaphor” may also help to deal with irritation. Nevertheless, Maguiness notes “Should you’ve developed blisters, swelling or crusting, see your physician as this could possibly be an indication of secondary an infection.”
