The skin, on the one hand, is the largest organ in the human body, forming a tough protective outer barrier to safeguard the internal organs, but on the other hand, encounters numerous problems and disorders such as acne, eczema, dryness, wrinkles, psoriasis. And yet another commonly occurring issue to add to this long list of skin woes is chafing.
Also Read: Eczema: Soothe Your Skin With These Amazing Natural Remedies
What Is Chafing?
Chafing happens when skin rubs against tissues in the nearby regions, or when dermal cells brush past clothing. Medically termed intertrigo, chafing takes place predominantly in areas where skin folds are present, such as the underarms, inner thighs, groin, buttocks. Many women complain of chafing in the nipples owing to tight or ill-fitting bras and people of all ages come across chafed skin in their feet as well due to hard footwear, intense physical workouts and playing arduous sports. Wearing clothes made of irritating fabric, donning moist or wet apparel, excessive sweating, breastfeeding and obesity also lead to chafing.
Chafing invariably makes the skin dry, with peeling, redness and sometimes even slight bleeding and inflammation. Moreover, it can prompt rashes in the skin in the arms, legs and armpits, putting a damper on the chance to dress up in stylish formals for work or chic casuals for a party. Chafed skin not only looks dry and flaky, sometimes with crusting but also appears unsightly, making it both a dermatological and cosmetic concern. Fret not, for there are a plethora of natural solutions to heal aggravated skin tissues.
Proven Home Remedies To Pacify Chafing In The Skin:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is widely available as a finely ground white powder that is essentially composed of sodium bicarbonate. It is a marvellous natural antiseptic and also houses intrinsic alkaline properties that make it an effective as well as an inexpensive way to treat chafing in the skin.
Mix 3 tbsp of baking soda in water to obtain a slightly thick paste and gently rub it on skin rashes to mend chafing.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera leaves produce a gel that has been touted for its wound-healing abilities since ancient times. Bestowed with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds of polyphenols, indoles, alkaloids and many more medicinal constituents, aloe vera gel remarkably enhances skin texture, repairs damaged tissues and prevents skin infections from emerging in the affected areas.
Apply aloe vera gel on chafed regions for instant relief from itching and irritation.
Petroleum Jelly
A staple in all households to alleviate chapped lips and dry skin, petroleum jelly is also a superb solution for chafing. Imbued with petroleum extracts in the form of a semi-solid gel that easily glides across the surface of the skin, petroleum jelly provides a solid outer layer of protection, moisturising and imparting hydration to the skin.
Dab on petroleum jelly to chafed skin after a shower in lukewarm water, to decrease friction between skin tissues.
Also Read: Petroleum Jelly: Fantastic Benefits Of This Must-Have Skin Care Ingredient
Ghee
Ghee comprises a treasure trove of incredible therapeutic and moisturising elements that work wonders in enhancing the texture and tone of the skin. Imbued with fat-soluble vitamins – vitamin A and vitamin E, besides valuable omega-3 fatty acids, ghee is a blessing for skin, rectifying myriad problems of acne, eczema and yes, chafing too.
Smear on a thin layer of ghee on chafed skin twice a day to banish rough, reddened and inflamed skin.
Shea Butter
An amazing natural ingredient that nourishes and rejuvenates skin, shea butter is a magical natural remedy for lubricating parched surfaces and resolving instances of chafing. Packed with beneficial fatty acids like palmitic, stearic, linoleic and oleic, plus skin-fortifying vitamins and antioxidants, shea butter subsides itching and restores skin elasticity.
Add 2 – 3 drops of tea tree essential oil to 1 cup of shea butter and apply this salve daily to remedy chafing and acquire smooth skin.
Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil is known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent remedy for skin chafing. Apply coconut oil to the affected area to hydrate the skin and reduce inflammation. Its natural lubricating properties can also help prevent further chafing.
Cornstarch or Talcum Powder:
Cornstarch or talcum powder can help absorb moisture from the skin, reducing friction and preventing further chafing. Dust the affected area with cornstarch or talcum powder to keep it dry and comfortable. Reapply as needed, especially after sweating or bathing.
Calendula Cream:
Calendula cream is derived from the marigold flower and is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Apply calendula cream to the chafed skin to soothe irritation and promote healing. Its gentle formula is suitable for sensitive skin and can be used multiple times a day for relief.
