How to Heal Chafed Skin

If you have chafed skin, it may have been triggered by several factors and is a tad too uncomfortable.

Often appearing as a raised red rash on the skin or like blisters, they hurt so much that you would want to jump into a barrel of nerve-stinging cold water. Not that doing so will relieve it, but here is what really will.

Prevention is better than Cure

This is an old adage, but may be put less emphasis on by those who are already suffering from the sympathetic ordeal. The fact of the matter is that it is equally important for someone with chafed skin to prevent it as is for anybody else with a clear skin. Chafed skin is likely to get worse if those factors that led to it are not truncated by the neck. Start by wearing clothing that fits well and is not too tight to rub against the skin and rupture its beauty. You are most likely to be told to wear loose clothing to avoid anymore skin chafing, but that has the potential to worsen the condition. Loose clothes can rub against skin, especially around the seams. Make sure the areas that are prone to chafing such as the upper thighs are well protected from rubbing against each other. Wear pants instead of shorts or skirt so that the legs do not rub against each other.

Use of Lotions/Powders

Focus on protecting the affected area and treating it as soon as possible, preferably at the very first sign of chafed skin. You may treat skin chafing by either a lotion or cornstarch powder. Lotions tend to be widely preferred compared with powders because the former tend to form a protective coating around the affected area, thereby helping it to heal than be exposed to further chafing.

Keep the Area Dry

Skin that is chafed will get worse if it is not kept dry. Before heading out of the house, apply talcum powder or alum powder to the areas that get the most sweaty. Applying powder will help keep moisture at bay. Also, make sure that you do not stay in sweaty or wet clothes for long durations. If you get drenched or spill water, try to change into dry clothes immediately.

If Powders/Lotions don’t Work

If the lotions or powder do not treat your condition, make sure that you see a doctor. Usually, a stronger lotion is needed to clear the problem, especially the area that is inflamed. Sometimes, chafing may lead to yeast infection and may in that case, demand the application of a stronger antifungal medication that will need prescription.

Lubricate

Use petroleum jelly or a lotion that has Micatin (antifungal agent) in it to prevent chafing the areas of the skin that is susceptible to problems. Lubricants will ease friction to the skin. Petroleum jelly is inexpensive and available easily. In fact, there are several other types of lubricants in the market that you can choose from. You may need to try a few before you settle for one that works best for you. Not all lubricants suit every skin type.

Chafed skin is a pain to suffer from, but you can easily prevent it by keeping your skin hydrated and well moisturised at all times.

Read more articles on Skin Conditions.