Well, even though the gyms are closed due to the restrictive lockdown in most places, owing to the second wave of the highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 virus, people loving a healthy and active lifestyle continue to exercise even at home. But have you ever noticed after exercising for a longer duration, you suddenly feel inflammation and swelling in your inner thighs due to skin-on-skin contact or rubbing of clothes? The rashes that develop due to constant friction on the skin are nothing but chafing.

Also Read: Eczema: DIY Essential Oil-Imbued Skin Care Ritual To Relieve Itchy, Inflamed Skin

What Is Chafing, You Ask?

Medically termed Intertrigo, chafing is a type of dermatitis that occurs when frictional forces, enhanced by heat and moisture, produce skin irritation. It is a common problem that many people experience regardless of their shape and size, especially in hot, humid weather. Although, it can happen in any part of the body, chafing is most commonly noticed in between skin folds especially on the thighs, nipples, groin, buttocks and underarm due to repetitive friction. It is primarily characterized by red, itchy, inflamed skin. A more chronic condition may also lead to swelling, crusting, or even bleeding.

Also Read: Intertrigo: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

What Causes Chafing?

Chafing most commonly occurs due to a combination of frictional rubbing, increased temperature, irritating fabric and moisture. It can also get complicated due to the invasion of various microorganisms, including Gram-positive bacteria (erythrasma), yeasts (candidal intertrigo), dermatophytic fungal intertrigo, or allergic and inflammatory reactions due to various medications and chemicals.

Get Rid Of Chafing Instantly With Our Wide-Range Of Soothing Anti-Rash Creams And Ointments!

Although the skin throughout the body is quite tough and can prevent infections to an extent, it does break or get inflamed when it is overworked due to repeated friction resulting in chafed skin. This chiefly occurs due to the following factors:

• Athletics or people participating in endurance sports like biking and running
• Wearing soiled diapers for too long
• Wearing a skirt without pants or leggings to protect the inner thighs
• Wearing ill-fitting clothes
• Obesity
• Breastfeeding

Well, a chronic condition might require medical intervention in the form of anti-histamines or topical anti-inflammatory medication, however, a milder version can very well be treated right at home with some easy to curate ingredients. We bring you 3 such cost-effective natural skin-friendly recipes that can be whipped right on your kitchen counter to treat and prevent chafed skin right away!

Homemade Skin Packs For Chafing

Oatmeal – Lavender Pack

Ingredients:

3-4 tbsp grounded oatmeal

2 tbsp olive oil

 5 drops of lavender essential oil

Method:

Mix all the ingredients to make a smooth paste.

Apply this all over the affected area.

Allow it to sit for 30 minutes.

Wash off with a wet towel.

How It Works:

Imbued with excellent anti-inflammatory properties, oatmeal paste act as an anti-itch lotion and treats chafed skin instantly. While the antioxidant qualities of olive oil speed up the healing process of the affected skin and naturally makes it smooth, lavender essential oil inhibits bacterial infection and the spread of further rashes.

Aloe Vera – Tea Tree Oil Pack

Ingredients:

2 tbsp aloe vera gel

5 drops of tea tree oil

2 tbsp neem paste

Method:

Whip up the ingredients into a smooth paste.

Smear it all across the affected areas.

Let it dry for about 20-30 minutes.

Rinse it with cool water.

How It Works:

The abundance of methanolic compounds in neem paste help combat the inflammation, itchiness, and swelling associated with chafing effectively. While the anti-inflammatory properties of the aloe gel help in healing dry, inflamed skin and tissue regeneration, the anti-microbial properties of tea tree oil soothe irritation and prevent bacterial infestation.

Turmeric – Calendula Pack

Ingredients:

2 tbsp baking soda

1 tsp turmeric

5 drops of calendula oil

Method:

Blend the components into a smooth consistency.

Spread it evenly on the affected area.

Let it dry for 20 minutes.

Rinse off with a wet washcloth.

How It Works:

The alkaline and antiseptic nature of baking soda and calendula oil not only restores the pH of your skin and accelerates the healing process but also prevents further infections. Boosted with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the golden yellow turmeric powder soothes irritated skin and provides relief from inflammation and swelling.