Skin irritation may seem like a minor problem, but when clothing creates friction on the skin for an extended period, it can become a bigger ailment. Most rashes on the inside of the thigh are caused by rubbing; the skin becomes irritated and, if sweat gets trapped under the epidermis, the irritation can turn into an infection. Fortunately, it is almost always possible to treat this discomfort with home remedies before the situation escalates.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Treating the Outbreak
Step 1. Choose breathable clothing
Wear clothes of cotton and natural fibers throughout the day; underwear should be 100% cotton. When exercising, wear synthetic material (such as nylon or polyester) that wicks moisture and dries quickly; also make sure you always wear comfortable clothing.
Avoid rough fabrics that itch or can retain moisture (such as wool or leather)
Step 2. Choose comfortable clothes
Clothing covering the legs should be loose enough to allow the skin to breathe and stay dry; you don't have to feel them snug or as if they are pinching. When they are too tight they generate friction on the epidermis, causing irritation, which is the main cause of rashes on the inside of the thigh.
- The areas in which this discomfort occurs are usually the inner thigh, the groin, the armpits, under the navel and at the nipples.
- If the crack is left untreated, it can become inflamed and infected.
Step 3. Keep your skin dry
You should always avoid getting wet, especially after taking a bath or shower. Take a clean cotton towel and gently pat the skin dry; do not rub, otherwise you can irritate the rashes even more. If necessary, you can use a hairdryer by setting it to the minimum temperature to completely dry the suffering areas; avoid excessive heat, otherwise you could make the situation worse.
It is important to keep the skin dry and free from sweat, as sweat contains many minerals that can aggravate breakouts
Step 4. Know when to go to the doctor
Most rashes caused by friction can be treated at home without the need for a doctor's intervention; however, if the situation does not improve within 4-5 days or worsens, you should call the doctor's office to make an appointment. This is especially important if you suspect the rashes are infected (if you have fever, pain, swelling, or notice pus around the rashes).
By avoiding friction on the breakouts, keeping the breakouts clean and moisturizing the skin, you can get some relief within a couple of days. however, if you do not start to feel better within this time, contact your doctor
Step 5. Follow the doctor's advice regarding treatment
During the visit you will be subjected to a physical check of the skin to check if the rashes show any lesions; if your doctor thinks there is a bacterial infection, they will likely prescribe a swab for a culture. From this test it is able to evaluate the bacterial or fungal strain responsible for the infection and can establish the necessary treatment. Depending on the situation, he or she may prescribe one or more of the following medications:
- Topical antifungal (if the infection is caused by a yeast)
- Antifungal for oral use (if topical treatment is not effective);
- Antibiotics for oral use (if the origin of the infection is bacterial);
- Topical antibiotics (if the infection is bacterial).
Part 2 of 2: Relieve the Itch
Step 1. Clean the affected area
Since skin is more sensitive and may be sweaty, it is important to wash it with a mild, fragrance-free soap. Use only warm or cold water and be sure to rinse off the soap thoroughly, as any residue may irritate your skin even more.
- Consider using a vegetable oil-based soap; look for a specific one, such as olive, palm or soybean oil, vegetable glycerin or vegetable butter (for example coconut or shea).
- Wash immediately after sweating a lot to prevent moisture from being trapped in the area affected by the rashes.
Step 2. Apply a powder product
Once your skin is dry and clean, you can sprinkle some talc or similar to prevent moisture from building up on sensitive areas. Opt for a fragrance-free baby powder, but check if it contains talcum powder; in this case, you need to use it in moderation because some studies have linked it to an increased risk of ovarian cancer in women.
Do not apply cornstarch, as bacteria and fungi feed on cornstarch and you could develop infections
Step 3. Keep your skin lubricated
Moisturizes the legs to reduce friction when rubbing against each other; use a natural product, such as almond, castor, lanolin, or calendula oil. Make sure the skin is clean and dry before applying the oil; you can also consider putting clean gauze over rashes to protect them.
If you find that the rashes are subjected to constant friction with clothing or other parts of the body, apply the emollient at least twice a day or even more often
Step 4. Add an essential oil to the emollient product
Although it is important to lubricate the skin, it is also useful to apply an essential oil with healing properties; you can also add medicinal honey which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. To use herbs, add 1 or 2 drops of any of the following oils to 4 tablespoons of lubricant:
- Calendula: the oil obtained from this flower can heal skin wounds and acts as an anti-inflammatory;
- St. John's Wort: is typically recommended to treat depression and anxiety, but is traditionally used to soothe irritated skin; however, children and pregnant or nursing women should not use it;
- Arnica: further studies are needed to fully understand the healing properties of this essential oil which derives from the Asteraceae pseudanthium; also this product is not suitable for children and pregnant or breastfeeding women;
- Yarrow: the oil of this plant has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes healing;
- Neem: is another oil that can reduce inflammation and stimulate wound healing; it is also used successfully in children who have suffered some burns.
Step 5. Test the different blends on your skin
Since the skin is already sensitive, you need to understand if the mixture of essential oil and lubricant product can cause any allergic reactions. Dip a cotton ball into the solution and rub a small amount on the inside of the elbow. bandage the area and wait 10-15 minutes. If you don't develop any allergic reactions (such as a rash, stinging or itching sensation), you can safely use the mixture on your skin throughout the day. you should apply it at least 3 or 4 times, to make sure you are consistently treating the irritation.
Do not apply these herbal mixtures on children who are less than 5 years old
Step 6. Take an oat bath
Insert 80-150 g of shredded oat flakes into a nylon knee-high; tie a knot at the end so the cereal can't come out and tie the sock to the tub faucet. Run the lukewarm water over the bundle and fill the tub; soak for 15-20 minutes and then pat dry the skin. Repeat the treatment once a day.
