Chafing

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Chafing of the skin

Skin irritation from rubbing

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

• Avoid coarse clothing. Wear 100% cotton fabric against your skin.
• 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 chafing unless it is part of your typical lifestyle, exercise routine, sporting, or other activity.
• Wear clean and dry clothing. Dried sweat, chemicals, dirt, and other debris may actually be causing the irritation.
• Temporarily use petroleum jelly or baby powder as a lubricant on chafed areas of your skin. You can also use these agents before activity to prevent chafing in easily irritated areas -- for example, your inner thighs or upper arms while running.

Review Date: 10/17/2005
Reviewed By: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.