If you jog in shorts in the heat of summer in sweat, you may notice that the skin of your inner thighs feels a little raw. It can burn, prick and itch, and a rash can arise. These are signs of friction, but doctors say that there are ways to prevent it.
The friction occurs when your skin rubs on several occasions against neighboring skin, clothes or something else, explains Dr. Channing Hood, dermatologist at US Dermatology Partners Golden in Colorado. “This repetitive movement can damage the outer layer of the skin, which causes inflammation and a rash rash.”
Although the friction is running on the thighs from the inside, it can occur anywhere on the body, especially in places that are generally “hot and humid” or where the friction is likely, like under your arms or breasts, around your nipples, or on your back or back, explains Dr. Michele Green, dermatologist in New York.
You can face them more in summer because you sweat more, and this humidity increases friction, says Green. Sweat “creates the perfect storm for friction”, adds Hood; In addition to the increase in friction, perspiration softens your skin and breaks down its barrier, and its acidity and salinity improve irritation.
This is why friction is often common among runners, cyclists and other endurance athletes, who make repetitive movements and perspiration, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Here are some ways to prevent friction and advice to treat it when it occurs.
How to stop friction
The friction disturbs the skin barrier, which can cause irritation and inflammation, explains Dr. Hooman Khorasani, a dermatological and cosmetic surgeon in New York. “This is why Chafing has the impression of burn, prick and comes with a red rash eruption.”
When you notice these symptoms, you must stop the activity that causes it, whether from exercise, walking or gardening, he says. The continuation of these movements while you rub the problem and potentially cause long -term skin damage, such as scars or discoloration, adds Hood.
If you know you are subject to friction, you can take certain precautions to prevent it.
Wear clothes that come to humidity
Since sweat contributes to large friction, staying dry is crucial. Khorasani says that wearing clothes and socks that go to humidity can help. Choose tissues made at 100% cotton or those labeled “humidity”, which are generally spandex, polyester or nylon.
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Also make sure that your clothes adapt well, add Green. Poorly adjusted clothes can rub your skin and cause irritation. Also avoid items with uncomfortable seams or labels, which can also retract your skin, says Hood.
Change the equipment to sweat as soon as you can also. Wet clothes can increase friction, and dried sweat and debris can irritate your skin.
Try anti-chafing products
Balms, ointments, powders and creams: anti-chafing products are in many forms. They work by creating a barrier on the surface of your skin to minimize friction and excessive irritation, says Green.
“They make the skin slippery so that it slides or dip the perspiration so that it remains dry,” explains Hood. “The trick is to put them before the start of friction and reapply for longer activities.”
Look for products with ingredients such as dimethicone (a silicone-based skin protector), zinc oxide (an ingredient in drug ointment) or petrolatum (oil jelly), known as Khorasani, and avoid anti-chafing products based on alcohol, which can worsen irritation. For the same reason, Hood also suggests avoiding products with a perfume or a talc. If a product irritates your skin, stop using it and talk to your dermatologist.
Some other tips
Dermatologists say there are a few other things you can do to help prevent friction:
- Stay hydrated. Drinking a lot of water will prevent your sweat from becoming too salty, says Hood, which will minimize irritation if your skin rubs.
- Hydrate your skin. Apply moisturizers containing vitamin E, zinc oxide or aloe to keep the skin hydrated, which can reduce friction and minimize skin irritation in some cases, says Green.
- Use bandages. Placing a bandage on the areas more prone to friction can create a physical barrier and help prevent irritation, says Green.
- Keep your skin dry. Even if you don’t exercise, Khorasani says you can minimize friction by ensuring that your skin remains dry, especially when you are out of heat and humidity.
How to treat friction
The skin is the protective barrier of your body, says Green. The friction can cause skin breaks that could allow bacteria or germs to enter and possibly cause infections, add the hood. Chronic friction can cause scars and discoloration of the skin, so it is important to treat rubbed skin.
Start by gently washing the affected skin with a soft soap. Take it dry and wrap it in a thick layer of ointment that contains oil or zinc oxide to repair and protect the skin, says Hood.
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You can soothe irritation by applying aloe vera gel, coconut oil or over -the -counter antibiotic cream, says Green. Hood also recommends using 1% hydrocortisone cream twice a day on a rubbed skin for a few days to calm the inflammation.
While your skin heals, Hood suggests wearing loose and breathable clothes.
When to see a doctor
Symptoms of light friction generally improve in a few days, says Green. But if they do not improve with home treatments, consult a dermatologist, says Khorasani.
Additional symptoms may suggest an infection, Hood says: if rashes spread, ooze or become more painful or swollen, or if you make a fever. In these cases, doctors can prescribe an antibiotic or antifungal cream or oral medication, or a stronger steroid ointment for severe inflammation.
“They can also provide tailor -made prevention methods depending on your lifestyle and the activities you like that can contribute to friction,” explains Hood.
