Chafing is a skin irritation problem. This problem arises when the inner thighs continuously rub against each other during hot and humid weather or excess exposure to the sun. It is a common phenomenon for people involved in sports, heavy work routine, who usually sweats a lot. Also, overweight people generally complain about inner thigh chafing.
Inner thigh chafing bumps are caused by continuous friction between the thighs during running, cycling, and long workouts, but several other factors may be accountable for dry skin rashes.
What Causes Inner Thigh Chafing?
The prime reason for these rashes or chafing is the friction between the skin of the inner thighs. Other reasons for chafing could be
- Heat and humidity produce sweat which in turn produces bacteria, that cause chafing.
- Many people sit with their legs crossed. This can also produce sweat, and air cannot reach that place, causing rashes.
- Moisture left after bathing or swimming can cause itching, rashes, and chafing.
- People with sensitive skin are likely to face the problem of skin chafing and inflammation on any part of the body.
- If you have too much fat accumulated around your thighs, then the rubbing of fat will cause extra friction and thus leading to chafing.
- People using adult diapers also suffer from rashes because the wetness of diapers causes itchy skin.
- The hair removal creams that are used to remove hair contain chemicals that are harsh on the raw skin. Avoid using these more frequently if you want to be chat free.
- Overly built thigh muscles by exercises.
- Chafing can be caused by sanitary pads.
- Too tight dresses like leggings, skinny jeans, skirts, synthetic fabrics, or innerwear can cause skin rashes in the groin area.
Signs of Inner Thigh Chafing
To prevent and avoid chafing, you should know the symptoms so that you can control them beforehand. These symptoms are listed below.
- Redness, itching, rashes are some more pre effects of chafing.
- If you get blisters in that area without any reason, this means you are suffering from chafing.
- The blisters in that region that you were taking lightly till now have now ended up being way too dangerous because now it is oozing out pus which causes chafing.
- You should observe the color change in that area. If it reddens or blackens, this could be a symptom.
- If that place burns without any reason, then definitely you should be concerned. This is a symptom of chafing.
- If you notice any swelling in your thigh region which burns upon touching it, then it might be the result of chafing.
How to Stop Inner Thigh Chafing
Do you also avoid visiting doctors because it’s hectic? Then not to worry, and there are several remedies that you can follow to get rid of this inner thigh chafing. Let us discuss these in detail.
These methods differ from age group to age group. This may also vary from gender to gender. Let us discuss the inner thigh chafing treatment in adults and babies.
- Aloe Vera Gel: Now, which moisturizer could be better than aloe vera gel? It will cool the irritated area. Also, you can use a regular ice pack. Make sure you do not apply the ice directly because you will wet skin, which is not suitable for inner thigh chafing. Cover the ice pack with a cloth and then use it for better results.
- Using petroleum jelly: You will have to purchase a petroleum jelly that is ready-made and apply it at home by yourself. All you need to do is take an appropriate amount of product, apply it to the affected area. Repeat the process till you are entirely free of the chafing.
- Lip balm: If you are unable to find petroleum jelly at any shop, use any lip balm available with you. Lip balms contain petroleum jelly and many other moisturizers that help heal the affected area super soon.
- Anti-bacterial powders: we all know chafing is caused by wetness and sweat thus applying anti-bacterial powders will kill any possibility of fungal infections. The powders will keep the area dry. Even if it does not cure it correctly, at least it would not let it get worse.
- Body glide: it is a lubricant that helps reduce friction between skin and clothing. It comes in various forms such as deodorant stick, liquid, or cream.
- Olive Oil: It is very helpful as it provides amazing moisturizing. After taking a bath, you may apply olive oil in repetitive motion directly to the chafed skin.
- Coconut Oil: You may also apply coconut oil to help soothe the affected area of chafed skin.
- Cornstarch: it can be used as an alternative to talcum powders, as it can absorb moisture from the skin to reduce itching.
- Thigh Chafing Shorts: Compression shorts offer more coverage in your inner thigh area and hence are a suitable option. They will absorb extra sweat from your inner thighs and prevent it from worsening or occurring in the future. Chafing shorts work best for dresses.
- Thigh Bands: The bands are small accessories made of elastic that you can wear around your thighs to prevent chafing. These work well if you wear skirts and dresses too often since your thighs come in direct contact with one another. However, you can wear bands under athletic wear, shorts, pants, etc.
How to treat Inner Thigh Chafing in Babies
It is much more challenging to treat babies because they cannot speak what is wrong with them. Just be careful with the products you are using for your baby’s soft skin.
- Use cotton diapers.
- Change the dirty or wet diapers immediately and without any delay.
- Before making them wear their diapers, apply good quality baby talcum powder to ensure there is no wetness.
- Use wipes for cleaning baby chafing inner thigh skin.
- Do not rub their skin way too hard.
Inner thigh chafing can be very painful, and hence you should know how to treat inner thigh chafing with the help of these remedies discussed.
How to Prevent Inner Thigh Chafing
As we already discussed itching leads to chafing blisters into the inner thigh. If you can prevent itching in your thigh region, you will be successful in preventing chafing. Itching could be avoided by applying moisturizers.
As they say, prevention is better than cure, follow the below-mentioned tips to protect your body from the bizarre effects of thigh chafing.
- Wear spandex and polyester blends for extra breathability instead of wearing cotton clothes since these materials will trap extra sweat.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and water throughout the day to lower your body temperature.
- While working out, wear sports bras, spandex bottoms, etc as they provide more room for your thighs to move and thus prevent friction into chafed prone areas.
- Make it a habit of changing clothes too often, especially when you return home and after working out. This way, the sweat trapped in clothes will not affect your body parts.
- Add powder to your inner thighs before dressing and prevent the accumulation of moisture.
- If you sweat too often, dry your skin regularly when you sweat so that it doesn’t cause friction and prevent chafing.
- You may need an antibiotic ointment if the chafed skin becomes infected.
- Properly wipe your irritated skin dry off excess moisture after bathing.
- Apply anti-bacterial powders before wearing clothes.
- Avoid repeating undergarments.
- Avoid wearing tight dresses and try to wear loose clothing.
- Try to lose some weight. This will help you a lot in preventing rashes and chafing.
Conclusion
We hope that now you are aware of how inner thigh chafing can be avoided and can be treated. It is a natural phenomenon caused by the rubbing of thighs against one another and so if you notice redness, bumps, or skin infection around your thighs, do not get worried! However, get it treated as early as possible. Also, you should know that stretch marks are very common and it is very easy to get rid of stretch marks on thighs.
It is crucial to treat dark inner thigh chafing early so that the rashes caused don’t worsen. If you suspect any inspection, like puss, swelling, or excessive tenderness, then see a doctor at the earliest. If you experience mild chafing, the above treatments will stop chafing.
