Skin irritation occurs when a portion of the skin is subjected to friction with other parts of the body, clothing or other materials. In most cases, they are located in the inner thigh, groin, axillary area and nipples. This is quite a common problem, so don't think you are suffering from something serious. In most cases, a little bit of moisturizer and rest is more than enough to make it go away. Keep in mind that sweating tends to make the situation worse, so you may want to temporarily stop exercising. If the rubbing irritation does not go away with self-medication, see your doctor to find out if there is any other problem.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Grease and Moisturize the Skin
Step 1. Use petroleum jelly to decrease friction
Friction is usually the main cause of rubbing skin irritation. To grease the skin, take a dab of petroleum jelly and rub it directly on the affected area. It will prevent it from rubbing against any material as you move. It will also help you repair itself by protecting your pores from irritation.
- If you prefer, you can use shea butter or coconut oil instead of petroleum jelly. However, you will likely need to apply it every couple of hours. Vaseline is great because it keeps the skin greasy for longer and has an emollient action.
- Petroleum jelly is not entirely natural, but it does not contain anything that can cause damage to the epidermis. However, most of its ingredients are of natural origin.
Step 2. Use a zinc oxide cream or lotion to repair the skin
Get an organic cream or lotion that contains zinc oxide to help heal the skin. Apply a nut directly to the affected area: it will protect it by penetrating the pores. While it effectively repairs rubbing damage, it doesn't have a good lubrication effect, so you may want to apply it when you stay at home.
Zinc oxide is one of the most used ingredients to treat dermatitis, eczema, acne and other skin disorders
Step 3. Apply aloe vera for pain relief as needed
If the irritation starts to hurt you, try aloe vera. Rub a nut directly into the skin with smooth, circular motions. The sensation of freshness provided by aloe vera relieves pain in sensitive skin.
Apply aloe vera whenever the pain returns. The effects typically wear off within 1-2 hours
Advise:
some people don't like the fresh feel of aloe vera. If it doesn't help relieve the pain, forget it and just use zinc oxide or petroleum jelly.
Part 2 of 4: Dress Properly
Step 1. Wear loose fitting clothing to keep you cool
Tight-fitting clothing can cause friction when the skin rubs against the fabric. They also increase sweating and make skin irritation worse. Avoid clothes that are in direct contact with the skin and choose others that are more comfortable, so that they do not create friction and give it time to heal.
- Avoid tight belts, tight underwear, and clothes that make you sweat. They prevent skin transpiration with the risk of aggravating the situation.
- During the winter, you should do the opposite, which is to wear tighter clothing. The wider ones, in fact, do not help to disperse body heat and can promote sweating.
Step 2. Choose clothing made from cotton or other breathable fabrics
Wear cotton clothing whenever you can. You may be tempted to wear colorful polyester shirts and denim pants, but they risk trapping body heat and increasing sweating which, in turn, can cause irritation. Cotton dresses, shorts and sweaters are available in a variety of designs and are readily available in clothing stores. By allowing your skin to breathe, you will give it time to recover naturally.
Generally, you should choose comfortable fabrics that are in direct contact with the body. Avoid wool and leather
Advise:
for training, some people prefer very breathable synthetic materials. They do not trap sweat and dry faster than natural fibers. However, outside of physical activity they are not the ideal choice.
Step 3. Wear anti-chafing cycling shorts if the problem affects your thighs
It often happens that the inner thigh becomes irritated when you run or train. In these cases, buy a pair of anti-chafing cyclists. They are equipped with a special padding for the thighs to avoid damage caused by friction. Since this area doesn't sweat easily, it may be the best way to keep irritation at bay.
Step 4. Wash your clothes after wearing them to avoid irritation
The minerals and sebum secreted by the skin tissues are transferred to your clothes as you wear them. When you reuse used clothes, you expose the irritated skin to the action of these waste substances, worsening its condition and prolonging the healing time.
Part 3 of 4: Preventing Further Irritation
Step 1. Drink plenty of water to replenish lost fluids and dilute sweat
The more water you drink, the less salt and minerals the sweat will contain. Drink at least 4-5 glasses of water a day to keep skin glowing and healthy. You will be less prone to rubbing skin irritation if you stay hydrated.
If you are tired of plain plain water, add a wedge of lime or lemon
Step 2. Wipe away sweat and avoid excessive heat
Keep the indoor temperature cool enough not to sweat. Do not go out if it is very hot outside. When you sweat, gently pat dry with a clean, dry cloth. By avoiding sweating and keeping your skin dry, you can prevent skin irritation from developing.
- If the skin is too dry, apply an emollient cream or lotion.
- Sweat can make the problem worse because, being rich in minerals, it can further irritate the skin. If you sweat, take off your clothes, rinse off in the shower and dry your entire body thoroughly.
Step 3. Lose a few pounds to prevent friction between the various parts of the body
The risk of skin irritation is higher if you are overweight, especially in the inner thigh area. Exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet of grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. The best way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you eat, so limit your portions and move as much as possible.
- Try to eat healthy and balanced meals, avoiding ready-made foods and sugary drinks.
- If you consume a lot of sodas and sports drinks, replace them with water so you can lose weight without straining too much when exercising.
Advise:
consult your doctor for some effective weight loss strategies. In these cases, there is no miracle recipe. Find a challenging and fun activity to do on a regular basis, such as biking or another sport.
Part 4 of 4: Knowing When To Seek Medical Treatment
Step 1. See your doctor if irritation does not go away with self-medication
Most of the time, rubbing skin irritations can be treated at home with simple remedies and lifestyle changes. However, if the problem does not go away within a few days, see your doctor. It is possible that you have developed an infection where the skin is broken, so you need to apply an antibacterial or antifungal ointment.
You should also see your doctor if the pain or itching is severe enough to keep you awake at night. Also, don't underestimate her opinion if you have other symptoms, such as fever, swelling, redness, bleeding, or discharge in the affected area
Step 2. See your doctor if you have a health problem that exposes you to infections
Some conditions, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of developing skin infections if the skin becomes irritated or broken. If not treated properly, they can lead to serious complications.
Consult your doctor in case of rubbing irritation and:
Diabetes;
Bad circulation;
Any disease that weakens the immune system, such as HIV / AIDS or cancer also, you are at risk if you take immunosuppressants, such as steroid drugs and chemotherapy drugs;
Any condition that prevents you from frequently changing positions, such as paralysis or an illness that requires long bed rest
Malnutrition;
Obesity;
Over 60 years of age.
Step 3. Find out about medical treatment for medical conditions that aggravate irritation
Some disorders, such as excessive sweating (called hyperhidrosis), can increase the risk of irritation. Check with your doctor to find out how you can treat the root cause if the problem doesn't go away on its own or comes back constantly.
- For example, if you suffer from hyperhidrosis, you may be using some antiperspirant products or medications that inhibit the overactivity of the nerves that regulate sweating.
- If obesity is the problem, your doctor may advise you on a safe and effective approach to managing your weight.
