Print this page
 Email this page

 Connect with UMMC on:
 Twitter
 Facebook
 YouTube
iPhone

 Share this page:

Bookmark and Share

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

 

Video details

[ Flash player icon ] Please install flash player to see this video.

Hospital Virtual Tour

Click to take a virtual tour

Related Content


 

Chafing - Overview

Alternative Names

Skin irritation from rubbing

Definition of Chafing:

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

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.
  • Reviewed last on: 7/18/2007
  • Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

References

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

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com