Do you love to run and want to avoid skin irritation between your thighs every time you participate in a marathon? Maybe you have sturdy thighs that rub against each other in the summer when you walk, causing annoying and often painful outbreaks. Irritations tend to occur in places where there is intense contact between the skin itself or between the skin and a tissue, for example, thighs, groin, armpits and nipples. There are several ways to prevent it or keep it from getting worse, so don't let that put you down.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Change the Clothing
Step 1. Dress the right way to train
When exercising, it is important to use clothing that is not too tight or made of cotton, prefer synthetic fibers. Contrary to what happens with cotton, synthetic fabrics move liquids away from the body when you sweat, so wet skin is less likely to be rubbed and irritated.
- To prevent chafing between the legs, wear compression shorts for biking or running long distances.
- Choose clothes and sports bras with smooth seams to prevent them from rubbing against the skin, especially in the armpit area.
- If you find that a certain pair of shorts or pants irritates your skin when you exercise, use another one.
Step 2. If you exercise outdoors, replace cotton underwear with hiking underwear
If you run or hike and want to prevent irritation in the groin area, wear underwear made from synthetic fibers.
Avoid modal, rayon, viscose, tencel, lyocell, and bamboo linens. They are all fabrics extracted from wood and behave very similar to cotton when they become damp or wet
Step 3. Change immediately when you sweat
To prevent irritation, it is important to keep dry, as clammy skin can make the rash worse. Therefore, after exercising or after a long summer day, do not keep wet or sweaty clothes on. Put on clean, dry clothing immediately.
Step 4. Keep the area clean
If you notice any irritation between your thighs, gently wipe the area to get rid of any dirt or sweat. If the problem affects another part of the body, such as the nipples or armpits, clean the area well after exercising or spending a long day out.
Do not rub the affected area, instead wipe it with a warm, damp cloth gently. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap so you don't irritate your skin
Step 5. Test the bandelettes
These are elastic bands (in lace or other fabrics) about 15 cm long that also have a silicone grip, which adheres to the thighs. They prevent chafing by forming a barrier between the legs.
- Measure your thighs to find the right size and order them online.
- If you can't stand lubricants or powders and want a product to wear easily, this is the solution for you.
Step 6. Wear men's boxer briefs (halfway between briefs and regular boxers) under skirts and dresses
They allow the skin to breathe because they are made of cotton and fall perfectly on the thighs to prevent them touching or rubbing each other.
Method 2 of 4: Using Professional Products
Step 1. Apply a lubricant to reduce friction on the skin
The anti-chafing stick is one of the products most used by runners to prevent irritation. Just apply it on areas prone to rashes, for example between the legs, under the armpits and on the nipples. The lubricant should stay on the skin and absorb moisture even on the hottest days of the year.
- There are also anti-rubbing gel lubricants, such as Dermovitamina Filmocare Gel.
- You can also try lubricants like Unika brand anti-friction emulsion.
Step 2. Absorb moisture with a powder product
Look for one that contains polymer microparticles that glide over the skin and absorb sweat.
Try a product that keeps your skin dry, like Vitamindermin
Step 3. Put some patches on the nipples
It's a do-it-yourself, but effective method. Cutting patches in half and sticking them to your nipples will create a barrier between your clothing and skin while running.
You can also apply nipple shields before going for a run to prevent irritation on the area
Method 3 of 4: Using Home Remedies
Step 1. Apply petroleum jelly to the affected area
Before going for a run or a walk on a hot day, put petroleum jelly on areas of the body that are prone to irritation, such as between the thighs or under the armpits.
Step 2. Use natural oils
Baby oil, sweet almond or lavender oil can help soothe irritated areas and prevent chafing.
Step 3. Make a homemade lubricant
If petroleum jelly isn't enough to combat irritation, create a lubricant by mixing vitamin-based creams and natural products.
- Mix equal parts of a vitamin A ointment, a vitamin D ointment, and petroleum jelly. Then, add a vitamin E cream and an aloe vera cream. The aloe vera should perfume her and give her a nice texture.
- Aloe vera is also great because it protects the skin from breakouts and can help treat irritation.
Step 4. Apply baby or classic powder to the areas prone to breakouts
It will help keep your skin dry and prevent irritation, especially on hot days.
Method 4 of 4: Treating Irritations
Step 1. Clean the affected area
Wipe with a damp, warm washcloth or massage water between your thighs, armpits or on your nipples. Make sure you dry yourself well.
Step 2. Apply petroleum jelly or aloe vera gel to the affected area
It will soothe and heal irritated skin.
If the area is sore, swollen, bleeding, or appears to have a scab, see your doctor for a prescription ointment
Step 3. Let your skin heal before resuming physical activity
Constant friction will only make the situation worse and could cause infections, so take a break from your usual morning run or walk. Swap shorts with pants for a few days.
