Home Remedies for Chafing
When your skin is getting rubbed with the other skin or any cloth, it becomes irritated and red which suddenly becomes painful. This condition is known as chafing which is really comfortable and getting worse due to the constant sweating and excess body weight. The increasing friction is the cause of heat, humidity, excessive dryness and cold.
Chafing occur at any part of the body such as on nipples, thighs, groin and neck, underarms, etc. Chafing is common in those people who are enthusiastic to the exercises, overweight and those who possess sensitive skin. The symptoms of chafing might be sore patches, red marks, and pain and burning sensations and will be worsen if not immediately treated. The affected area stings badly when it comes in contact with water.
It is not as much dangerous but at a time it is very unpleasant and irritating and it even breaks the skin due to which the risk of infection can be increased and lead to other complications as well. You can use some simple home remedies to ease the pain and burning associated with chafed skin. So here the remedies are described below:
1. Cold Compress
As the burning sensation due to the chafing needs immediate action regarding the soothing effect, cold compress is very much helpful for this purpose and gives you relief from the burning sensation.
- Take some ice cubes and wrap in a thin towel.
- Place them on to the affected area for 5 minutes.
- Take a break and reapply.
- Repeat few times daily for some days.
- You can even wash the affected parts with cold water.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is helpful to make the irritated skin calm to a great extent. Aloe vera contains a compound called glycoprotein which is readily helpful in getting rid of inflammation, whereas, the polysaccharides present in it stimulate the skin cell repair. It speeds up the healing process and reduces the risk of infection.
- Squeeze out the gel from fresh aloe vera. Apply it directly on the affected skin 3 times daily. If you don’t have aloe vera plant, you can purchase 100 percent aloe vera gel from any nearest pharmacy.
- Alternatively, you can mix ¼ cup of aloe vera juice, 1 cup of brewed green tea and 10 drops of lavender essential oil. Transfer this solution into a spray bottle and spray it on your chafed skin twice daily.
3. Oatmeal
Oatmeal contains many medicinal properties as it cleanses, moisturize and help soothe chafed skin. According to the 2007 study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology estimates that oatmeal is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent which helps in soothing and protecting the skin.
- Mix 2 cups of oatmeal powder in a bathtub filled with lukewarm water.
- Soak your affected body part in it for 30 minutes.
- Rinse off your body with lukewarm water.
- Pat dry your skin with a soft towel.
- Use this remedy for once daily.
Note: Do not scrub the affected skin.
4. Olive Oil
Olive oil has strong moisturizing properties and can be used in treating the chafed skin. It speeds up the healing process due to its rich vitamin E and antioxidant content.
After when you have taken a bath, put few drops of olive oil in your palm. Apply these drops directly on the affected skin. Reapply the oil a few more times throughout the day.
5. Baking Soda
Baking soda is helpful in reducing the itching and pain associated with the chafed skin. Baking soda contains healing properties to treat the chafed skin quickly and reduces the risk of infection.
- Mix one part of baking soda and three parts of water. you can add few drops of lavender essential oil.
- Apply the mixture on the affected area for 5 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.
- Repeat the process once daily for few days.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric is rich in curcumin and possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can protect your chafed skin from infections and reduces the healing process.
A 2007 study published in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology suggests that curcumin works as a potent nontoxic agent for treating the skin diseases. It protects skin by the eliminating free radicals and reducing the risk of inflammation through nuclear factor-KB process.
- Make a paste of 3 tsp of turmeric powder with enough water (about 2 tbsp).
- Apply this paste on the affected parts.
- Cover the area with soft cloth and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process for 3 times a day.
7. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an effective topical treatment for skin irritations, including chafing. It offers protection against the infections as it has antimicrobial properties.
- Dip a cotton ball in water then sprinkle a few drops of tea tree oil. Press the cotton ball gently against the affected skin and do the remedy two times daily until your skin heals.
- Alternatively, add few drops of tea tree oil to unscented moisturizer. Apply it on the affected area.
Note: Do not apply undiluted tea tree oil directly on your skin as it will cause irritation to your skin.
8. Calendula
Calendula is a safe ingredient and effective remedy for chafing, diaper rash and skin inflammation. Calendula is rich in flavonoids and protects the skin from damage caused due to free radicals. It speeds up the healing process.
- Apply a few drops of calendula oil directly on the affected area for 3 times daily.
- Another option is to boil 1/3 cup of dried calendula flowers, green tea and dried chamomile in 8 cups of water. Allow it to cool, strain and add it to lukewarm water filled bathtub.
- Soak the affected skin for 20 minutes then pat dry your skin. Enjoy this soothing bath once daily for few days.
9. Cornstarch
Excessive sweating makes the chafing worse as the sweat contains minerals that can irritate the skin further. Cornstarch absorbs the moisture so it keeps your skin dry and reduces friction.
- Clean the affected skin with a mild antiseptic soap and lukewarm water.
- Pat dry the area with a soft towel.
- Dust cornstarch over it in a slight manner.
- Reapply for 3 times daily.
Note: Do not apply cornstarch on the moist skin as it will increase the risk of fungal infections.
10. Indian Lilac
Indian lilac has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Indian lilac is commonly called as neem or margosa which is highly effective in treating the chafing.
- Take a handful of neem leaves and simmer it in 2 cups of water for 20 minutes. Strain the solution and allow it to cool. Use this solution to wash your affected area couple of times daily.
- You can also apply neem oil, cream or lotion on the affected area for few times daily.
Additional Tips
- Find out the exact reason of chafing and adjust it as it will be needed to prevent it from reoccurring.
- Apply calamine lotion on the affected area on daily basis as to relief the itching and irritation.
- While exercising, wear fitted clothes made with synthetic fibers as it reduces the perspiration and dry faster than natural materials.
- Lose your weight; eat healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables and whole wheat grains. Obesity leads to chafed thighs. Regular exercise will help prevent the excessive weight gain.
- Drink enough water to keep your body hydrated all the time and it eliminates the dryness which is responsible for the appearance of chafing.
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