Health Care Encyclopedia
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ChafingDefinition: Chafing is skin irritation that�occurs where skin rubs against skin,�clothing, or other material.
Alternative Names: Skin irritation from rubbing
Information: 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.
References: Pratte M . Common skin conditions in athletes. Clin Fam Pract. 2003 Sep; 5(3); 653.
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| 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.
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