If you are overweight or an exercise devotee, you have doubtless experienced chafing of the skin, the bothersome and frequently painful result of your skin rubbing against skin or clothing. Chafing may occur anywhere on your body, however, the thighs, groin, and armpits are especially susceptible.
Armpit chafing is the disagreeable result of the skin rubbing during activities such as exercise.
What Are The Causes Of Armpit Chafing?
- Chafing occurs in case you wear scratchy, itchy clothes that generate friction.
- Chafing can also be triggered by overly loose fitting clothes which produce extra friction.
- Obesity is one of the leading causes of chafing.
- It is predominant amongst athletes such as long distance runners and cyclists.
- It could also be caused by the salt residue that’s left behind after your sweat evaporates. If the sweat is allowed to dry, and exercise resumed, salt from the sweat intensifies the friction and causes enormous irritation.
- Hot weather and sensitive skin are also important triggers.
Home Remedies To Cure And Prevent Skin Chafing
- Make sure that you wear100 % cotton clothes; cotton allows your skin to breathe, which is particularly vital in averting chafing.
- Wash new shirts before wearing. This softens the fabric and removes harmful dyes which could irritate your skin.
- In case you have a very sensitive skin and the weather is hot and humid, apply calendula oil; it prevents inflammation, fungus and bacteria multiplication in the armpits.
- Apply a thin layer of talcum powder to your armpits; this will help you stay dry, a critical element in avoiding chafing.
- For stubborn cases, lubricate the armpits with a mixture of vitamins A, E and D lotions, petroleum jelly and Aloe Vera gel. Apply a thin layer of this blend to your underarms whenever you head outdoors and especially before any exercise activity. This ensures that there is no friction and skin irritation.
- Also, armpits house a host of microbes which can soon result in severe infection in the underarms. If you have a very sensitive skin or have a history of skin reactions and allergies, use tea tree essential oil to prevent chafing. Mix 2 to 3 drops of the essential oil with half an ounce of Aloe Vera gel. Apply several times through the day.
- Ensure that your skin is always dry; wet skin makes chafing a great deal worse. Do not stay in wet or sweaty clothes. Change in to dry, clean ones.
- Wear the right clothes. When exercising, wear well fitting, moisture-wicking clothes, made with synthetic fibers. Do not wear cotton whilst exercising. Opt for exercise clothes and bras that have smooth seams to steer clear of friction and rubbing.
- Skin chafing must always be treated promptly, so do not disregard it. Gently clean the area with water and dry it well. Use an antiseptic soap. After cleaning the armpits, always apply petroleum jelly. If the underarms are too painful, swollen, or bleeding, you need to confer with your health care provider.
- Give the skin time to heal from the chafing before being active again. Continual friction will aggravate the condition and result in infection. If the chafing fails to respond after trying at-home measures, you must consult a doctor.