Okay ladies, it’s time to get real and talk about something that many suffer from but no one wants to talk about… CHAFING. Yes, it’s as common in the summer as barbeques and warm weather, yet we rarely talk about it! There’s nothing less chic when you’re heading out for a day or night on the town and your killer sexy strut is stalled by chafing pain. Suffer in silence no more! I’m here to bring relief by sharing everything you need to know about Summer Chafing: How to Treat It, How to Beat It, and WHY it happens in the first place!
What is Chafing & What Causes It?
Moisture & Sweat – Sweat and moisture are the culprits! Whether you’re walking the streets in hot weather or working it out in the gym sweat and moisture can contribute to chafing and irritate your skin. Why? Sweat becomes trapped in areas and irritates your skin which leads to chafing as this irritated skin contacts other skin or your clothes.
Speaking of Clothing – Even Couture clothes rub! And as clothing rubs against common chafing areas (your thighs for instance) the resulting friction can lead to red chafed skin. The chances of chafing really increase if you wear ill-fitting clothing. Also, the fabric you choose to wear makes a difference. Try to stick to fabrics that let your skin breathe. These breathable fabrics will ensure you sweat less and definitely stay away from rough or scratchy fabrics.
Body Composition: Our body shape and being overweight can increase the risk of chafing. For instance, if you have extra skin or weight in your thighs, underarms or even upper body, these areas can rub together with other parts of your skin and the friction may lead to chafing. Ladies, this does not mean that your thighs were meant to NOT touch naturally .. so don’t go crazy and start checking out the costs of lipo!!
How can you PREVENT Chafing?
The real keys in Chafing Prevention are decreasing friction and moisture. This means you can:
Stay dry and try not to get too sweaty – Easier said than done in hot summer weather but do your best to keep your skin dry (carry some baby powder on you and apply it before you head out for the day) in areas that are prone to friction or get a little more sweaty. This also means you want to wear fabrics that are more breathable and wick away moisture, and of course never hang out in wet clothes!
Lubricate areas to prevent chafing – Reducing friction on your skin is key, and you can do that by applying petroleum jelly or products like Gold Bond or Lanacane Anti-friction creams or gels. These the products out, and figure out which works best for your body’s chafing “hot spots.”
Dress right – Whether walking around or exercising in hot weather, prevent chafing by wearing anti-chafing gear. This means clothes should fit properly, be comfortable, perhaps even wick away moisture! Compression shorts and accessories like Spanx are great to prevent friction that leads to thigh chafing – a big summer culprit!
What are some ways to TREAT Chafing?
It’s important you follow the anti-chafing methods outlined above but what do you do when chafing has already struck?
- Clean the chafed area gently and be sure you pat it dry.
- Treat the area with something like petroleum jelly or appropriate balms.
- If you’re past the point of normal chafing.. for example the area is reddened and painful, burns and may even be blistered, talk to your doctor who may prescribe a medicated ointment. This could be key to preventing infection!
- Give your skin some time to heal in general before you become too active again, and if you can, take care of the area before you head out again (choose your apparel carefully).
Now go out and enjoy those summer days and nights chafe free!
Smooches,
Dr. V