Chafing
Illustrations
Alternative Names
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Skin irritation from rubbing
Definition
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Chafing is skin irritation that occurs where skin rubs against skin, clothing, or other material.
Information
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When skin becomes irritated because of something rubbing, there are several things you can try, including:
- Avoid coarse clothing. Wear 100% cotton fabric against your skin.
- Eliminate friction against your skin by using appropriate clothing for the activity you are involved in (for example, athletic tights or cycling shorts).
- Avoid activity that is causing chafing unless it is part of your typical lifestyle, exercise routine, sporting, or other activity.
- Wear clean and dry clothing. Dried sweat, chemicals, dirt, and other debris may actually be causing the irritation.
- Temporarily use petroleum jelly or baby powder as a lubricant on chafed areas of your skin. You can also use these agents before activity to prevent chafing in easily irritated areas -- for example, your inner thighs or upper arms while running.
References
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Pratte M . Common skin conditions in athletes. Clin Fam Pract. 2003 Sep; 5(3); 653.
Update Date:
7/18/2007
Updated by:
Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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