Treatment FAQ

what is best treatment for chapped thighs and legs on adult

by Vivianne Krajcik Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Apply about a teaspoon of petroleum jelly to the inside of your thighs. You can also try chafing creams and balms, such as Body Glide, or zinc oxide ointment. Everyday products that contain petroleum jelly and other moisturizers can also be used to lubricate your inner thighs.

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There are several home remedies that help to soothe and heal inner thigh chafing. Before applying any treatment, be sure to clean the area first. Avoid scratching itchy skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using petroleum jelly to help treat and prevent thigh chafing.

How do I get rid of inner thigh chafing?

When chafing lead to soreness and formation of painful bumps, over the counter painkillers and antibacterial ointment can be used to prevent infection. According to WebMD, Butt chafing should not be ignored.

What are the treatments for Butt chafing?

You may need prescription antibiotics or antifungal medications if you have an infection that presents as inner thigh chafing. Inner thigh chafing is common. It can be caused by a number of things, including working out, running an errand on a hot day, or even sitting with legs crossed.

Do I need antibiotics for inner thigh chafing?

You can prevent the thighs from rubbing together even more by wearing preventative clothing. Choose clothes such as trousers in breathable fabrics and avoid wearing skirts or shorts until the chafing has healed. You can also wear anti-chafing shorts or thigh bands. These will work to prevent future chafing.

How can I prevent my thighs from rubbing together?

How do you heal chafed thighs fast?

How to heal chafing quicklyGently clean the area with water.Use petroleum jelly, aloe vera, or chafing cream on any affected areas.Avoid products with any alcohol, fragrances, or irritants.Get an over the counter pain medicine like topical corticosteroid creams to reduce discomfort and minimize inflammation.

What cream is good for thigh chafing?

Best Ointment: Aquaphor Healing Ointment And while it works wonders on chafed thighs, it can also be used to heal everything from dry lips to cracked heels. No wonder it's a favorite among dermatologists, Ofodile included.

What can I put between my legs to stop chafing?

The Best Ways to Prevent Thigh Chafe When It's Hot and Humid...Megababe Thigh Rescue. ... Vaseline All-Over Body Balm Stick. ... Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Lotion. ... Megababe Bust Dust. ... Burt's Bees Baby 100% Natural Dusting Talc-Free Baby Powder. ... Monistat Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel. ... CeraVe Healing Ointment.More items...•

How do you get rid of chafed thighs overnight?

Overnight relief to chafing There are many simple and soothing ointment options, such as Vaseline or A&D. Even baby's diaper rash creams have worked well for some. Using it before bedtime will help it work overnight. Avoid touching or rubbing the skin in that area.

Can adults use diaper rash cream for chafing?

In most cases, you can treat a mild adult diaper rash at home. One of the most effective treatments is an OTC zinc oxide diaper cream. Examples of adult diaper creams include: Balmex Adult Care Rash Cream.

Is hydrocortisone cream good for chafing?

Use a mild cortisone cream if your chafing rash starts to get itchy. However, several of the dermatologists advised seeing a doctor if a painful rash persists for more than a week. “If it gets really uncomfortable, see your derm,” Marchbein said.

Does thigh chafing mean your fat?

Thigh chafing, dubbed “chub rub”, is often associated with being overweight. However, weight fluctuations of any type can lead to chafing. Chafing is simply caused by skin-on-skin friction. Extra weight, excess skin, pregnancy, or extra muscle can all increase the chances of thighs touching and rubbing when you walk.

Is Neosporin good for chafing?

If you do find yourself with a bad case of chafing, wash with a mild antibacterial soap and rinse immediately to prevent infection. For lighter irritation, apply a healing ointment (like Neosporin, a calming lotion, or even a diaper rash cream) and keep it covered until your skin loses the burning, blotchy redness.

Does petroleum jelly prevent chafing?

According to research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, applying petroleum jelly to chafed skin can help reduce further irritation. Because it provides a slippery surface and isn't quickly absorbed into the skin, petroleum jelly may also help prevent chafing.

Does baby powder help with chafing?

Since baby powders are good at absorbing moisture, they're also helpful for preventing chafing. (Though you might want to go with a cornstarch-based product instead of one that contains talc.) And like petroleum jelly, baby powder can also be used on chafed skin to soothe the irritation.

What causes inner thigh chafing?

Skin-to-skin contact can cause inner thigh chafing. This is especially common for women who wear skirts or dresses. The thighs rub against each other more because there's no barrier between them. Friction from clothing or underwear can also cause chafing between the legs.

How long does thigh chafing take to heal?

Chafed skin takes one to two days to heal, as long as it is treated immediately. If you leave chafed skin unattended or continue to participate in activities that exacerbate it, the chafed area can take longer to heal or become worse over time.

How to stop thighs from rubbing together?

Wear preventative clothing. You can prevent the thighs from rubbing together even more by wearing preventative clothing. Choose clothes such as trousers in breathable fabrics and avoid wearing skirts or shorts until the chafing has healed. You can also wear anti-chafing shorts or thigh bands.

How to treat chafing?

If your chafing is mild to moderate you can treat it at home using the following tips: 1. Clean the area. Gently clean the affected area with water and dry it thoroughly. You should avoid washing with heavily scented body washes or exfoliators which could make pain and irritation worse. 2.

What is chafing skin?

Chafing refers to the irritation of the skin caused by repetitive friction. This is usually generated through skin-on-skin contact of multiple body parts. It’s when that skin-on-skin friction combines with moisture where things really get ugly….

What is a B urning inflamed inner thighs?

B urning inflamed inner thighs are a common issue for men and women of all shapes and sizes. Learn how to treat chafed thighs and prevent scarring or infection.

What to do if you have blisters on your skin?

If you have small blisters forming on the skin you may need to use blister plasters. If you have multiple or serious blisters, or experience bleeding, seek medical advice. You may need to be prescribed a medicated cream to prevent infection or scarring. 5. Wear preventative clothing.

Can chafing cause scarring?

Without treatment mild chafing can get worse and lead to bleeding, infections or scarring, so don’t ignore it. In most cases, at-home chafing solutions or over-the-counter products can be used to treat chafing. If the affected area is already very painful, swollen, bleeding, or crusted, you should seek medical attention.

Can chafing cause stretch marks?

If you suffer from ingrown hairs or stretch marks in the affected area these may also become inflamed and irritated. Chafing does not usually require a medical diagnosis but if you are unsure what your rash is you should seek medical attention, of course.

How to treat chafing on face?

Treatments for chafing include: applying a soothing lotion, balm, or oil; look for fragrance-free products that repel moisture.

How long does it take for a chafing skin to heal?

Chafing can heal within a couple of days if the problem is removed. If you can’t completely stop the activity that causes chafing, be sure to use protective measures while you’re doing that activity. You should also let the skin heal overnight by leaving the area exposed to air while you sleep. If there is abrasion or blistering on the skin surface, petroleum jelly and covering can be applied between cleanings until the skin heals over.

What is chafing on the skin?

What is chafing? Chafing is a common skin problem caused by any combination of friction, moisture, and irritating fabric. Prolonged rubbing on the skin makes your skin sting or burn, and you develop a mild, red rash. In severe cases, chafing will include swelling, bleeding, or crusting.

How to stop chafing from shower?

Always pat skin dry. Rubbing will make chafing worse. Use ice or a cold pack for short amounts of time to relieve pain. Be sure to pat dry when you’re done.

Why is my skin chaffing?

Skin is strong and flexible enough to protect your internal body from outside elements such as germs, heat, and physical harm.

What is the best way to keep your skin from getting wet?

Moisture-wicking clothing. Materials like cotton retain sweat and moisture and keep your skin damp. This dampness increases your risk of friction and chafing. Wear clothes that “breathe” and let the sweat evaporate off your skin, especially while exercising.

How to treat a chafed thigh?

If you're already in pain (ugh), there are a few things you can do to ease the pain and expedite your healing process. 1. Use a mild cleanser and don't scrub! Using harsh soaps can aggravate your chafed skin and make the situation a lot worse.

What to do if you sweat a lot?

Dust on a fine layer before starting your day. For more intense sweating, you might need to give your derm a call. “If you experience a lot of sweating, ask your dermatologist for a new prescription product called QBrexa wipes,” suggests Kavita Mariwalla, MD, Founder of Mariwalla Dermatology.

How to heal raw skin?

Moisturize. Use plain ol' Vaseline to soothe, protect, and heal the raw skin. Stick with the standby petroleum jelly and avoid creams with fragrance or fancy ingredients; they will likely irritate you more. Another option is the derm-favorite Skin Fix Nourishing Cream, recommended by Dr. Gohara.

What to do if your skin is chafing?

If the area is very painful, swollen, bleeding, or crusted, your health care provider may recommend a medicated ointment. Give your skin some time to heal from chafing before being active again. Continued friction will only make it worse and could lead to infection.

How to stop chafing on skin?

In order to prevent skin chafing, you must decrease the amount of friction to your skin. Here are some ways to do this: Stay dry. Wet skin can make chafing worse. Before you head out the door, apply talcum and alum powders to areas that get the most sweaty. Powders can help wick moisture away from the skin. Don't stay in wet or sweaty clothes.

What is chafing on the body?

How to Treat Chafing. If you are an exercise enthusiast, or if you are overweight , you have probably experienced skin chafing, the annoying and often painful result of skin rubbing against skin or clothing. Chafing can occur anywhere on your body, but the thighs, groin, underarms, and nipples are particularly vulnerable.

Where does chafing occur?

Chafing can occur anywhere on your body, but the thighs, groin, underarms, and nipples are particularly vulnerable. There are a number of ways to prevent skin chafing, so don't let it slow you down.

How to get rid of hot spots on skin?

Powders can help wick moisture away from the skin. Don't stay in wet or sweaty clothes. Lubricate. Apply petroleum jelly, or a similar product, to hot spots. Lubricants can help reduce friction to the skin. Petroleum jelly is inexpensive and widely available; several types of lubricants are available over the counter.

How to get rid of chafing?

First thing's first — if you get home from a day out and you're really chafed and sweaty, take a shower. "Use a gentle cleanser," Gohara advises. "Do not scrub; that makes things worse .".

What is the most common chafing spot?

Marchbein says the chest, nipples, and the area behind the arms are all common chafing spots, especially for athletes, but the inner thighs are especially chafe-prone. "The inner thighs have more delicate, thinner skin," she explains.

What is chafing in face masks?

According to New York City board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, chafing is a type of irritant dermatitis, similar to what happens when you get irritated from wearing a face mask for a long period of time or when you come into contact with skin-care ingredients like synthetic fragrances.

Can you chafe your thighs?

Your thighs can remain chafe-free, and you can finally go back to enjoying the summer without the painful distraction. More on summer skin issues: The Fastest, Most Effective Ways to Treat a Sunburn. The Dermatologist-Approved Guide to Summer Skin Care. How to Tell If Your Excessive Sweating Could Be Hyperhidrosis.

Can chafing cause skin damage?

You might consider chafing to be a short-term problem that solves itself after a day or so, but if your thighs get chafed constantly, you can cause damage to your skin barrier, which could make you even more pro ne to chafing in the future . Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara explains it better.

How to heal a chafing skin?

You need to give your body a chance to recover instead of pushing through. You should also thoroughly clean and dry the area before doing anything else. 2. Reduce the Inflammation With Chafing Cream. Dermatologists like Dr. Howe typically use steroid creams to treat chafing and reduce the resulting inflammation.

How to prevent chafing in armpits?

1. Keep Your Groin and Other Chafe-Prone Areas As Dry And Cool As Possible. To prevent chafing from happening in the first place, the most important thing to do is to keep chafe-prone areas like your groin and armpits as cool and dry as possible. “It’s a big ask given that we’re talking about working out,” says Dr. Howe.

How to get rid of chafing on face?

Even though chafing can be caused by perspiration and moisture, protecting the skin with good moisture can help soothe pain. Apply a “gentle and bland” moisturizing lotion like Lubriderm or CeraVe to the area as needed to help calm down irritation and manage the pain.

How to stop chafing while working out?

How To Treat Chafing. 1. Take a Break From Physical Activity and Clean the Area. If you notice chafing while you’re working out or doing any other kind of physical activity, take a break from it. “Don’t work out or don’t do the exercise that led to it for a while,” says Dr. Howe.

Why do you use talc powder on your groin?

Dr. Howe recommends powders, especially in the groin, to help soak up excess moisture and help prevent skin from rubbing too much. Avoid powders that contain talc, which some claim is linked to a variety of health concerns, including some forms of cancer.

Where does chafing happen?

Most chafing happens where there is skin-to-skin contact, like the groin or inner thigh area— most common among men—or arm pits. It can also happen places like your nipples, where clothing can aggressively rub against skin, like in the case of distance runners.

How to get rid of chafed skin?

Try Apply Tea Tree Oil to Chafed Skin. “A lot of people use tea tree oil and that could actually be quite helpful for chafing,” notes Dr. Howe. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that could help treat the underlying causes of chafing.

How to shop for anti-chafing products

According to the dermatologists we spoke to, there are certain healing and moisture-wicking ingredients you should look out for when shopping for anti-chafing products:

Dermatologist-recommended anti-chafing products

Wu recommended Body Glide’s line of products and said that the Anti Chafe Balm “work [s] well on large areas.” New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King also recommended Body Glide, noting that it “works well to create a barrier between your skin and workout clothing to reduce friction.”

Body Glide Anti Chafe Balm Stick

An “affordable” anti-chafe option, according to Wu, the Friction Defense Stick contains several popular friction-reducing and inflammation-fighting ingredients, including zinc oxide and aloe. It’s unscented to avoid further irritation, and comes in a stick to glide right onto the skin.

Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick

This dusting powder from Lush has a cornstarch and kaolin clay base, which works to “absorb moisture and sweat [and] reduce friction,” according to Wu. It’s also formulated with cocoa butter to nourish the skin, according to the brand.

Lush Cosmetics Silky Underwear Dusting Powder

Chiu recommended this ointment from SkinFix, noting that it “protects chapped, irritated skin and acts as a skin barrier against trapping moisture.” It’s formulated with ingredients like allantoin and bisabolol, which “promote healing of cracked skin” and act as a “mild antimicrobial” respectively,” according to Chiu.

Megababe Thigh Rescue

Many of the dermatologists we spoke to noted that petroleum-based products are good for chafing since they lubricate the skin and prevent it from rubbing against skin or irritating fabrics. This TSA-friendly stick from Vaseline is easy to use on the go and is infused with aloe for additional soothing and inflammation-reducing properties.

How to avoid chafing

On top of applying anti-chafing products before you leave the house, there are some other things you can do to try and avoid the dreaded chafing rash.

What is the treatment for chafing underarms?

If chafing is from excessive sweating, you may have a condition called hyperhidrosis, which can be treated with prescription-strength aluminum chloride antiperspirants, Botox injections in the problem spots, oral meds, or MiraDry, an FDA-cleared treatment that destroys sweat glands in the underarm area.

What to use on chafe prone areas?

Applying a thick, slippery product like petroleum jelly on chafe-prone areas reduces friction and prevents abrasion. “Products with silicone, beeswax, or shea butter provide the same benefit,” says Temitayo Ogunleye, M.D., an assistant professor of clinical dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. Don’t rely on oily lotions, which won’t last as long. “You want a product that you have to scoop out of the jar or is specially formulated for chafing,” Dr. Ogunleye says. If needed, reapply after about three hours.

How to treat a fungus in your skin?

Wash inflamed areas with a gentle body wash or plain lukewarm water to soothe irritation from dried sweat and help control fungal growth. Pat dry, don’t rub—then, if you can, let the inflamed skin air out for a few moments to make sure all dampness is gone. “You might even dry the area with a fan or a blowdryer set on cool,” Dr. Rokhsar says. Then apply a petroleum jelly or a zinc-based topical, which both help soothe and protect against future irritation, adds Dr. Ofodile.

How to stop chafed skin?

Wear protective clothing. Moisture-trapping cotton is not your friend when it comes to chafed skin—instead, choose synthetic fabrics like polyester or Lycra, which aren’t as absorbent. Look for garments that have flat seams or are seamless, and remove any interior tags; this also helps prevent skin irritation.

Can chafing cause blisters?

In more severe cases, skin chafing can cause painful blisters, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. "If you notice the area is extremely irritated, appears to be infected, or doesn't improve within five to seven days, contact your doctor ASAP," says Dr. Ofodile.

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