How to Ease Chafing

Chafing is skin irritation that occurs when body parts rub together. It is also made worse by sweating or clothing rubbing against the skin. It occurs in the armpits, groin, inner thighs or any other areas where sweat or friction cause irritation. Take action to ease chafing with a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Petroleum jelly
• Talcum powder
• Soap
• Antibacterial or diaper rash ointment
• Sterile gauze

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Wear clothing that is neither too loose nor too snug. Loose-fitting clothing causes rubbing to occur over areas where the clothes hang and irriates chafing. Tight-fitting clothing rubs against the skin and worsens chafing. Wear clothing with a minimal amount of seams.

• 2

  Lubricate the chafed areas with petroleum jelly. Apply generously to cut down on friction and help ease the chafing.

• 3

  Use talcum powder in chafed areas where sweat has collected. It is important to stay dry in order to ease chafing as excess moisture breaks down the skin and causes irritation.

• 4

  Cleanse chafing with soap and cool water. Apply antibacterial or diaper rash ointment liberally and cover with sterile gauze.