Chafing is among the most prevalent and unpleasant skin problems in people around the world. And it can happen to anyone, not just runners or professional athletes. Prominent reasons for it include irritating fabric, moisture or dry weather, excess sweat, friction, or even a combination of these.
And while you can chafe in several areas such as armpits or under backstraps, inner thigh chafing remains extremely common in most people. Fortunately, thigh guards can help prevent chafing as well as protect already chafed areas.
Symptoms of chafing
Before exploring how thigh guards can help, here’s a look at some of the chafing symptoms.
- Inflammation and redness of the affected area are widespread signs of chafing.
- Boils and lesions are also among the most common indicators that you have chafed skin.
- Mild rashes will appear and worsen over time if neglected.
- You may experience burning, itchiness, and pain in the affected area.
- Brown spots appear as a result of healed chafing and may reappear if the same area experiences friction, leading to a rash.
The critical thing is to avoid scratching the affected area as far as possible, or it may end up making the sore a lot worse. It is advisable to seek medical attention if the damage is too severe.
Effectiveness of thigh guards
Besides moisturisers, lubricants, soft fabric, and loose-fitting clothing, wearing thigh guards are highly recommended to prevent inner thigh chafing. They are available in different varieties and colours, and pretty much anyone can wear them.
Athletes wear them to protect their thighs from sweating and developing rashes from friction during sports events. Ordinary folks also buy thigh guards and wear them underneath dresses, skirts, shorts, and trousers. This way, you can protect your thighs from chafing rather than constantly applying moisturisers to the affected areas.
Also, people who chafe more often or easily can protect themselves from further damage by wearing thigh guards.
Efficient after-care
Although one may not be able to prevent skin chafing always, ensuring proper after-care can help in faster recovery. If you run or indulge in other strenuous activities that might cause chafing, the first thing you should do is take a shower to wash off the sweat after every workout. Remember to use warm water as hot water might cause pain in the chafed areas and make them drier.
Another critical note is to pat yourself dry rather than rubbing your skin harshly with the towel. Also, it would help to use soft fabric to wipe yourself dry. Next, you should follow this routine by moisturising effectively. Use a high-quality lotion, shea butter, or even coconut oil, which are gentle on the skin and ensure it stays hydrated for a long time.
If you are suffering from raw, irritated rashes, it is best to use mild diaper rash creams rather than moisturisers for adults. If needed, you can apply soft bandages to the skin.
Summary
While it may be possible to manage skin chafing effectively, prevention is always better than cure in most cases. So, to ensure that your skin doesn’t chafe, it is critical to take necessary precautions such as thigh guards, proper clothing, sufficient moisturising, among other things. If it does happen, though, stop the activity that caused it immediately, and ensure you treat the chafing first.
Image Credits: Lensabl
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