If you jog in shorts in the sweaty summer heat, you may notice that the skin on your inner thighs feels a bit raw. It can burn, stab and itch, and a rash can pop up. These are signs of sanding, but doctors say there are ways to prevent this.
Chafing happens when your skin repeatedly rubs the neighboring skin, clothing or something else, says Dr. Channing Hood, a dermatologist at the American dermatology partners Golden in Colorado. “This repetitive movement can damage the outer layer of the skin, leading to inflammation and a red rash.”
Although sanding is common on the inner thighs, it can occur anywhere on the body, especially in places that are usually “warm and moist” or where friction is probably, such as under your arms or breasts, around your nipples, or on your back or groin, Dr. Michele Green, a dermatologist in New York City.
You can sand more in the summer because you sweat more, and this moisture increases friction, says Green. Sweat “creates the perfect storm for sanding,” hood adds; In addition to increasing friction, sweat your skin and breaks down its barrier, and acidity and saltness improve irritation.
This is why Chafing is often common with runners, cyclists and other endurance athletes, who perform repetitive movements and sweat, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Here are some ways to prevent sanding and tips to treat it when it happens.
How to stop sanding
Chafing disrupts the barrier of the skin, which can lead to irritation and inflammation, says Dr. Hooman Khorasani, a dermatological and cosmetic surgeon in New York City. “That is why Chafing feels like burning, stabbing and comes with a red result.”
When you notice these symptoms, you must stop the activity that causes it, whether it is about exercising, walking or gardening, he says. Continue with these movements while you sand, the problem will deteriorate and possibly cause long -term skin damage, such as scars or discoloration, Hood adds.
If you know that you are susceptible to sanding, you can take certain precautions to prevent this.
Wear moisture disease clothing
Because sweat makes a major contribution to barns, it is dry to remain crucial. Khorasani says that wearing fluid -reducing clothing and socks can help. To elect substances Made from 100% cotton or with the label ‘moisture drain’, which are usually spandex, polyester or nylon.
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Make sure your clothing also fits well, Groen adds. Poor fitting clothing can rub your skin and cause irritation. Also avoid items with uncomfortable seams or tags that can also sand your skin, says Hood.
Change from sweaty equipment as quickly as possible. Wet clothing can enlarge friction and dried sweat and debris can irritate your skin.
Try anti-chaffending products
Balances, ointments, powders and creams: anti-chaffing products come in many forms. They work by creating a barrier on the surface of your skin to minimize friction and excessive irritation, says Green.
“They smooth the skin so that it slides or sweat so that it stays dry,” explains Hood. “The trick is to put them on before friction starts and re -apply during longer activities.”
Search for products with ingredients such as Dimethicon (a skin protection protection on silicone), zinc oxide (an ingredient in medicinal ointment) or petrolatum (petroleum jelly), says Khorasani, and avoids alcohol-based anti-cafen products, which can destroy the irritation. For the same reason, Hood also proposes to avoid products with scent or talk. If a product irritates your skin, stop using it and talk to your dermatologist.
A few other tips
Dermatologists say there are a few other things that you can do to prevent sanding:
- Stay hydrated. By drinking a lot of water, your sweat is retained too salty, says Hood, which minimizes irritation when your skin compensates.
- Hydrate your skin. Apply moisturizers that contain vitamin E, zinc oxide or aloe to keep the skin hydrated, which can reduce friction and in some cases can minimize skin irritation, says Green.
- Use connections. Placing a context about areas that are more susceptible to barns can create a physical barrier and help prevent irritation, says Green.
- Keep your skin dry. Even if you do not train, Khorasani says that you can minimize friction by ensuring that your skin stays dry, especially if you are outside in the heat and humidity.
How to treat chafing
The skin is the protective barrier of your body, says Green. Chafing can cause fractions in the skin that can enter bacteria or bacteria and cause possibly infections, hood adds. Chronic barns can lead to scars and skin discoloration, so it is important to treat a sanding skin.
Start by washing the affected skin gently with a mild soap. Pat it dry and cover it with a thick layer of ointment that contains gasoline control or zinc oxide to repair and protect the skin, says Hood.
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You can calm the irritation by applying aloe vera gel, coconut oil or freely available antibiotic cream, says Green. Hood also recommends using 1% hydrocortisone cream twice a day on a sanding skin to calm the inflammation.
While your skin heals, Hood proposes to wear loose, breathable clothing.
When to see a doctor
Mild Chafing symptoms will usually improve within a few days, says Green. But if they don’t get better with home treatments, see a dermatologist, says Khorasani.
Additional symptoms can suggest an infection, says Hood: if the rash spreads, seep or more painful or swollen, or if you walk a fever. In these cases, doctors can prescribe an antibiotic or antifungal cream or oral medication, or a stronger steroid ointment for severe inflammation.
“They can also offer customized prevention methods based on your lifestyle and activities that you like that can contribute to barns,” says Hood.
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