Summer is almost here, and so is the chaffing season. If you have thighs that touch, you must be aware of the uncomfortable and painful sensation each time you wear shorts or your favourite summer dress. Chafing is a common skin condition caused by friction, moisture, and abrasive fabric. Prolonged rubbing causes your skin to sting or burn, and you may develop a rash. You can experience chafing anywhere on your body, but it is most common around the underarms, thighs, and nipple areas.
While it is a common skin woe, chafing can make day-to-day activities like walking and running very difficult due to the persistent pain and discomfort, and it can also cause the inner thighs to become extremely sensitive to even the slightest pressure. But, fret not! I have compiled a list of tips and tricks to prevent chafing and soothe the burn.
Try moisture-wicking fabrics
Since moisture and sweat are the leading causes of skin chafing, staying dry is the best remedy. While fabrics like cotton feel great in summer, they tend to retain sweat and moisture, thus keeping your skin damp. So ditch them and opt for technical fabrics that keep you cool and dry by letting the sweat evaporate off your skin, especially while exercising.
Wear clothes that fit
We love wearing loose, oversized clothes during the summer months. But they can contribute to skin chafing as they move around a lot and cause friction. So, I recommend opting for clothing that fits you properly. You can also try chafing shorts, a popular solution for wearing under dresses and skirts. These are tight-fitting shorts made of bamboo or spandex to minimise bunching or rolling up.
Use a roll-on deodorant
You must have come across the viral anti-chafing trend where people use a roll-on deodorant on the areas prone to chafing. Well, you can give it a try. It works wonders for chafing because antiperspirants help keep the area dry by preventing sweating.
Apply aloe vera
If you are struggling with the extreme discomfort caused by chafing, aloe vera is a must-try. It soothes the area to give you instant relief. Aloe vera includes polysaccharides, which aid in stimulating skin restoration and the formation of new skin cells. It also contains carboxypeptidase, a pain-relieving chemical that gives us a soothing sensation. You can try Dr G 99% Aloe Vera Gel for your chafing woes. Packed with freshness, this fragrance-free gel helps repair, restore, and nourish the skin.
Use petroleum jelly
Since the friction produced during constant rubbing of the skin is the leading cause of chafing, applying petroleum jelly or a thick, nourishing moisturiser on your skin can help. These products deeply moisturise your skin while also acting as a barrier, thus giving it an extra layer of protection.
Give Botox a try
If you have an extreme case of skin chafing, it is a good idea to seek professional help. You can try treatments like Botox in armpits or other areas prone to excessive sweating to keep chafing at bay. Studies have shown that underarm Botox can give significant results. According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, underarm Botox injections can reduce underarm sweating by 82–87%. The results are temporary with a single treatment lasting 4–12 months.
Do you want to learn more about treating chafing? Schedule a consultation with me here.