How to Treat Inner Thigh Chafing?



 Inner thigh chafing is described as a common disease that acts as a skin irritation when the inner thighs rub against each other. At times there are certain clothes too that can lead to chafing. The friction thus damages the skin and can causes discomfort. Workouts, walking to the store, sitting cross legged are some other ways that leads to thigh chafing. Chafing can occur anywhere on the body but it is most common in thigh, groin, underarms and nipples. 

 

Causes of Inner Thigh Chafing

 

Skin to skin contact is what leads to chafing. It can happen in both.Women who wear skirt or dresses, find it common in them. However, friction from clothing as well as underwear can cause chafing between the legs. Chafing can occur from-

 

  • Sweat, wetness or moisture that is mostly seen during workouts or intense physical activities.
  • Weather changing conditions can lead to heat as well as humidity.
  • In case of running, waking or cycling also it is experienced.
  • Rigorous exercises.
  • When one sits with legs crossed, then also they may experience chafing.
  • Having large thigh muscles is as drawback.
  • Wearing cotton or other fabrics that absorb moisture are also considered harmful.
  • Wearing skirts, dresses, thin leggings, tight clothing like underwear.
  • Usage of rough or heavy fabrics.
  • Diapers of small ones and toddlers.
  • Shaving and hair removal.

 

Symptoms of Inner Thigh Chafing

 

 

Skin Irritation and Inflammation is felt due to the damage that is caused on the skin. Some of the symptoms are-

 

1.     Redness

2.     Itching

3.     Rash

4.     Blisters

5.     Boils

6.     Oozing

7.     Pain

8.     Burning

9.     Swelling

10. Hyper pigmentation.

 

 

Myths about Chafing

 

Chafing is caused by various reasons and hence it is always associated with discomfort and soreness.  But there are a lot of myths that are related to chafing which should not be looked upon-

 

  • Thigh chafing happens only to obese people- Obese is one factor that leads to chafing. There are other factor too that are involved like proper hygiene, genes and exposure to physical activities. Thus, it can even occur to straight sized people.
  • It is true that creams and ointments are of great help to come out of skin problems, however too much of it can also lead to producing too much moisture that can mix with sweat, Sweat on the other hand is mad of salt as well as other electrolytes as it can lead to breakdown of the skin.
  • Chafing causes abscesses, that is pus filled collections that is caused by bacteria. However it can never lead to formation of pimples, as people believe so.
  • Chafing just does not occur on thighs but it also leads to forming on various parts of the body.
  • If the chafing is accompanied by bacteria or pus, it cannot cause any sort of odor.

 

Diagnosis of Chafing

 

Chafing can occur on parts of the body. Seeing the symptoms rise for more than a week, it is necessary to call for a doctor. Chafing need not be addressed to medical professional only if there are no symptoms like bleeding, infection, discoloration or swelling around the affected area. But one should rush to a doctor in case if following symptoms are seen-

 

  • Blisters or boils
  • Lumps or sores
  • Oozing
  • White or yellow pus
  • Skin swelling

 

Treatment of Chafing

 

Skin Chafing should be treated with proper care. Vaseline, Destin, Inzo Skin Pretectant Cream is some of the recommended ointments that help to heal it within days. 3meds, the best online medical app in India provide these ointments as well as other reliable medicines.

However, some of the other home remedies are also discussed.

 

  • Petroleum jelly is best recommended for inner thigh chafing. 
  • Lip balms are also effective as they contain petroleum jelly in it. 
  • Applying powder like baby powder, arrowroot powder and cornstarch can help in healing the blisters and other affected areas easily as it does not leave them wet and moisturized.
  • Some of the recommended itching remedies are aloe Vera gel, oatmeal moisturizer and cold ice pack. It can provide relief to a great extent. 
  • Other products like hydrogel, silicone gel sheets, soft wrap bandage, not stick gauze, wet dressing are also effective tools for treating this skin disease.




 

 

How to Prevent Chafing?

 

Trying some of these simple steps can help in taking prevention from Chafing.

 

  • Shape wear- Shape wear is worn under the clothing which helps in preventing the rubbing of the inner thighs directly. One can even prefer to wear leggings or yoga pants, but it should be of breathable materials. Anti chaffing thigh bands are also there which are like two elastic bands made up of soft, stretchy cloth. 
  • Stay Hydrated- When one has less water, then the sweat has more salt and less water which can irritate the skin and thus make it more sensitive. Therefore, drinking plenty of water is of utmost importance.
  • Stay dry- One should wear clothing of breathable and moisture wicking fabrics. While working out loose clothing should be worn, cotton should be avoided as it soaks the sweat and moisture thereby creating friction and chafing. In case of sitting for long hours, avoid sitting with cross legs.
  • Lubrication- Avoid using such products that can make the skin stickier. Scented and perfumed products can also lead to skin irritation. Products that contain petroleum jelly should be used more often like Body Glide, Zinc Oxide Ointment, Lip balm, Shea Butter, Body oil or lotion and sunscreen. These can help in creating less sweat and thus keep it irritation free. 
  • Lose weight- In case of overweight, chafing is a common problem. This is because excess fat and skin tend to become irritated faster. 




 

 

Outlook

 

Inner thigh chafing is common and it can be caused by various reasons, like a hot day, working out, sitting with cross legs. However, preventive measures can help in soothing and healing. It is very rare that a patient might have to consult a skin specialist for this disease.

 

 

 

 

 


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