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Medical Encyclopedia

Encyclopedia -> Special Topic -> C -> Chafing

Chafing

Alternate Names: Skin irritation from rubbing

Information:

When skin becomes irritated because of something rubbing, there are several things you can try, including:

  • Wear 100% cotton fabric against your skin. Avoid coarse clothing.
  • 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 chaffing unless it is part of your typical lifestyle, exercise routine, sporting or other activity.
  • Wear clean clothing--especially clothing specific to certain activities such as exercise clothing, swimsuits, gardening clothing, etc. Dried sweat, chemicals, dirt and other debris may actually be causing the irritation.
  • Temporarily use petroleum jelly or talcum powder as a lubricant on chafed areas of your skin.

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