MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Chafing

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Chafing

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition	Information References

Illustrations

Chafing of the skin

Alternative Names Return to top

Skin irritation from rubbing

Definition Return to top

Chafing is skin irritation that occurs where skin rubs against skin, clothing, or other material.

Information Return to top

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 Return to top

Pratte M . Common skin conditions in athletes. Clin Fam Pract. 2003 Sep; 5(3); 653.

Update Date: 7/18/2007

Updated by: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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