Chafing occurs when an area of the body becomes irritated after rubbing against an article of clothing, body part or another item for a prolonged period of time. While medicated ointments can be used to treat skin chafing, there are several home remedies for chafing that are also effective in preventing and treating irritated areas. To prevent chafing, remain hydrated, keep your skin dry, and wear snug but breathable clothing. Once an area has become chafed, use soothing substances like aloe, zinc oxide and topical vitamins to reduce pain and promote healing.
Perhaps the most useful home remedies for chafing are those that prevent it from occurring. To prevent chafing, it is important to stay hydrated. Drinking water will increase perspiration and reduce the amount of friction that occurs during physical activity. Many times, hydrated skin is also healthier and less prone to irritation than dry skin.
If you experience chafing outside of exercise, utilize home remedies for chafing that are aimed at keeping the skin dry. Talcum powder, baby powder and cornstarch are all effective in preventing moisture from accumulating on the skin. If necessary, wrap or bandage an easily irritated area to keep it from becoming chafed.
In addition to using topical powders, many remedies for chafing also include one’s clothing choices. When treating chafing, wear snug clothing that will not rub against the skin. Also choose clothing in breathable, non-irritating fabrics. Fabrics that wick moisture away from the skin will also help to prevent chafing. Anytime your clothing does become damp, change into dry clothes to avoid irritation.
There are several home remedies for chafing that will soothe your irritated skin. Lubricants like baby oil and petroleum can be used to hydrate and soothe the area. Aloe is another effective chafing home remedy. When applied to the skin, aloe will reduce pain, hydrate the skin, and support repair. To further manage pain, apply a zinc oxide cream or powder to the area.
Certain vitamins can also be used as home remedies for chafing. Topical creams containing vitamins A, D and E are useful in encouraging skin repair. If you do not have these creams at home, vitamin supplements can be added to aloe and petroleum jelly to create a homemade ointment. This ointment can be used to lubricate the skin, prevent chafing, and treat skin that has already suffered damage.