How to Stop Chaffed Skin From Sweat

Chafed skin is a common skin condition caused by sweaty skin rubbing together while you're physically active, which later dries and causes itching, redness and pain. Common chafing areas include underarms, thighs, nipples and groin, and can easily be treated based on the severity of your chafing. Contact a dermatologist if chafing worsens or persists after one week of at-home treatment.

Things You'll Need

• Skin lubricant
• Talcum powder
• Water
• Antiperspirant

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Instructions

• 1

  Choose fitted clothing. Loose clothing can cause your skin to rub against the fabric during exercise, which causes skin irritation. Remedy the situation by wearing fitted sweat pants and a form-fitting shirt. Be sure to wear clothing made of cotton, as the fabric can breathe and lowers the amount of sweating that occurs while you're physically active. Moisture-wicking thermal underwear and t-shirts also can be worn while you exercise to 'wick' or absorb moisture from your skin. This type of sports-specific clothing is found at athletic on-line stores as well as brick-and-mortar sports stores.

• 2

  Drink water throughout the day. You should drink at least eight 8 oz glasses of water daily to stay hydrated, and should drink 1 to 3 more ounces of water if you work out. Maintaining you water intake allows your body to continue sweating while you're engaged in strenuous physical activity, which reduces the likelihood of chafing. When sweat dries it leaves the skin feeling clammy, which increases chafing and skin irritation. (Reference 1)

• 3

  Stay dry. Talcum powder is often used for babies to prevent them from chafing and experiencing diaper rash, and the same applies for adults. Sprinkle 1 tsp. of talcum powder onto the parts of your body susceptible to chafing, and rub it in to cover the entire area. Applying the powder before exercise neutralizes perspiration. (Reference 1)

• 4

  Apply a running lubricant to body parts that chafe to prevent irritation. Be sure the lubricant is water-based, as oil-based lubricants can stain clothing. Running lubricants can be found at sports and athletic stores. As an alternative you can use antiperspirant roll-ons or sprays to reduce sweating. Antiperspirants can be found at most drugstores and natural health stores.