Summer is one of the best times of the year! We get long days full of fun, sunshine, and outdoor activities that just aren’t possible in the colder months. But, even in the three months jam-packed with wonderful experiences, we still have to contend with one of the summer’s worst annoyances: skin chafing.
Sometimes referred to as “chub rub,” chafing happens when friction and moisture come together to cause irritation, dryness, and breakdown of your skin. It’s more common in the summer because of our wardrobes– dresses and shorts allow our inner thighs to come into direct contact, plus sweating creates moisture, which only makes the condition worse. Additionally, we’re more likely to do physical activities in summer, like outdoor workouts, running, and swimming, which increases our chances of causing prolonged bouts of skin rubbing together.
If you’ve ever contended with chafing, you know how painful it can be. In fact, in bad cases where blisters and boils form, it can stop your summer fun dead in its tracks until you’re healed. While chafing generally heals on its own, it’s still a break in the skin barrier, leaving it more vulnerable to infection.
Stay Dry
It’s tough to stay dry during the heat of summer, but doing so is one of the best ways to avoid the pain and irritation of chafing. If you’re going to work out, do so indoors, where it’s easier to stay cool. Wear fabrics that wick away moisture from your skin, and change out of sweaty workout clothes immediately. Perhaps most importantly, talk to your dermatologist about excessive sweating. There are treatment options that could alleviate your symptoms of hyperhidrosis.
Dress Properly
Planning a trip to the zoo? Heading out on a hike? Before you head outside, be sure that you’re dressed in a way that prevents chafing in the areas you’re most likely to experience friction. For example, if you’re prone to thigh chafing, wear longer shorts or thigh bands under dresses that create a protective layer. If you’re more inclined to chafe under your armpits or breasts, where your bra sits, be sure that you’re wearing a comfortable, well-fitting bra and swap out for a fresh one when you start to sweat.
Help Speed Up Healing
Once chafing happens, it’s essential to treat it as you would any wound. Start by gently cleansing the area with warm water and gentle soaps, like CLn BodyWash, to prevent further irritation. Use petroleum jelly or ointment to create a thick barrier that prevents infection and encourages healing. Finally, you’ll need to take a break from physical activity to give your skin time to heal. Adding more friction is only going to reopen the skin breaks and make the condition worse. Use the opportunity to catch up on your summer beach read from the comfort of your living room!
