Almost everyone who indulges in some form of vigorous exercise has experienced chafing on the inner thighs. Chafing is a skin irritation that occurs when your inner thighs rub against each other. But it can also occur in areas like the armpits and other folds of the flesh.
That being said, chafing treatment for inner thighs is more in demand as this is the most common type. Physically active people are not the only ones who experience chafing. It can also occur in babies and overweight individuals.
Common chafing causes
Chafing can occur when there is skin-to-skin contact anywhere on the body. When it comes to the inner thighs, it usually results from vigorous walks or workouts. It can occur in women who generally prefer dresses or skirts without any barrier between the thighs. However, there can be chafing on the thighs even from rubbing against clothes.
Other typical chafing causes include:
- Cycling or running
- Adult and baby diapers
- Crossing legs while sitting
- Rough fabrics
- Large thigh muscles
How to treat chafing
Fortunately, there are plenty of super-easy ways to treat chafing. You can pick a chafing treatment depending on the severity of the rash.
Moisturisers
Chafing can indeed be caused by excessive sweat or moisture. But it is vital to moisturise a chafed area as it may soothe the skin inflammation. However, avoid products that have harsh chemicals as they might make the chafing worse. Instead, you can use grease-free products such as aloe vera gel that can decrease pain and irritation.
Thigh guards
Wearing one on each thigh will prevent them from rubbing against each other. You can wear thigh guards all day without fear of them sliding off as they stay in place.
If you are still apprehensive, you can add a little water, and the guards will tighten around the thighs. Also, if you already have a bit of chafing on the skin, they can help prevent further damage. Just make sure to keep them clean for regular use.
Chafing creams
If home remedies for chafing don’t work, it is wise to seek medical intervention. Typically, dermatologists use steroid creams to treat more severe chafing.
They can examine you and prescribe an antifungal cream for expedited healing. In addition, studies show that tannic acid, generally used to treat burns, can also treat severe chafing.
Powder
Many people find relief when they sprinkle powder on the affected area. This is especially helpful for babies with diaper rash. However, it may not work for everyone, and especially if the chafing is too severe. The powder will turn flaky in such cases and bring no pain relief.
Petroleum jelly or oils
It is a common belief that petroleum jelly can heal and prevent skin irritation. A little bit on the affected area can mean adequate lubrication and reduced friction.
Similarly, coconut and argan oils can also improve skin elasticity. Regular use of these oils can hydrate, relax, and smoothen skin. Also, coconut oil is known to hamper the growth of harmful bacteria.
It is sensible to avoid heavy workouts and other strenuous activities until the chafing heals completely. Typically, if protected and prevented from further damage, skin chafing can heal within a week.
