Even though it looks mild, chafed skin can be a big problem. Dry, chapped skin results from constant friction between the skin and other objects, such as clothing. Over time, this friction will make the skin peel and even bleed. If you experience it frequently as a result of exercise, or if your skin sometimes blisters, learn how to treat and prevent the problem from recurring in the future.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Overcoming Skin Blisters
Step 1. Clean the sore skin
Gently clean the surface of the chafed skin with mild soap and rinse with water. Pat the skin dry with a clean towel. Washing chafed skin is very important, especially after exercising or sweating. You should remove any remaining sweat from the skin's surface before applying any further treatment.
Do not rub the skin vigorously with a towel. Don't let your skin get dry and flaky
Step 2. Sprinkle powder
Sprinkle powder that can reduce friction on the surface of the skin. You can use talcum-free baby powder, baking soda, cornstarch, or other body powder. Avoid using talcum powder, as some studies suggest that this ingredient may cause cancer.
Step 3. Apply the ointment
Use petroleum jelly, body moisturizer, diaper rash cream for babies, or products intended to prevent chafing from chafing. Several product options are aimed at preventing chafing on athlete's skin. After you apply the ointment, cover the surface with a sterile bandage or gauze.
If the blister is very painful or bleeding, ask your doctor for a medicated ointment. You can apply this ointment on the surface of the skin much like petroleum jelly
Step 4. Apply a cold compress
Cool the blisters by applying an ice pack right after you finish exercising or when you start to feel the irritation. Be sure not to apply ice or ice packs directly to the surface of the skin, as this can actually cause further damage to the skin. You should wrap the ice pack in a towel or cloth, and hold it against the skin for 20 minutes. This cold sensation will immediately relieve the pain you feel.
Step 5. Apply moisturizing gel or oil
Apply natural aloe vera gel directly from the plant to the blisters. You can also buy aloe vera gel, but be sure to choose a product that doesn't contain a lot of additives. This gel will soothe chafed skin. Also, try pouring a few drops of tea tree oil on a cotton ball and then applying it to the blisters to fight infection and speed healing.
Step 6. Take a bath
Make a mixture of 2 cups of baking soda and 10 drops of lavender essential oil. Then, pour the mixture into a tub of lukewarm water. Do not soak in very hot water, as this can dry out the skin and make the irritation worse. Soak for at least 20 minutes and dry yourself off with a clean towel.
You can also make a soothing tea to pour into the bath. Boil 1/3 cup green tea, 1/3 cup dried calendula (marigold), and 1/3 cup dried chamomile in 2 liters of water. Allow the tea to cool, then strain and pour into the bath
Step 7. Know when to see a doctor
Blisters can become infected and need to be treated by a doctor. See a doctor immediately if you notice an infection or a red, thickened rash. You should also visit a doctor immediately if the blisters are very painful and interfere with your activities.
Part 2 of 2: Preventing Skin Blisters
Step 1. Keep skin dry
If you're already planning on working out and sweating, be sure to sprinkle some talcum-free alum powder on the areas of your body that sweat the most. Wet skin will make chafing worse, so change out of sweat-soaked clothes immediately after exercising.
Step 2. Wear appropriate clothing
Clothing that is too tight can irritate the skin and cause blisters. Wear clothes made of synthetic materials with the right size. Clothes that fit snugly against the skin will prevent chafing that causes chafing. Don't wear cotton clothes and try to dress as minimally as possible when exercising.
Be sure not to wear clothes with straps or edges that rub against your body. If your clothes rub against your body or cause irritation from the first time you put them on, the friction will only get worse over the next few hours. It's best to wear clothes that are more comfortable and don't irritate your skin
Step 3. Drink more water
This is very beneficial especially during exercise. Drinking lots of water will make it easier for the body to sweat, thereby preventing the formation of salt crystals. Salt crystals on the surface of the skin can be a source of friction causing blisters.
Step 4. Make your own protective skin moisturizer
You'll need vitamin A and D ointment, which are commonly used to treat diaper rash, as well as petroleum jelly. Mix 1 cup of ingredients each in a bowl. Add 1/4 cup of vitamin E cream and 1/4 cup of aloe vera cream. Mix well. The resulting cream may be a little stiff, but can be applied to chafed skin.
Apply moisturizer to areas of the body that are often chafed before exercising or sweating. This moisturizer can also help heal chafed skin and prevent it from peeling
Step 5. Lose weight
If you are overweight, your skin will blister more easily, especially on the thighs. Losing weight will reduce the surface area of the skin that rubs against each other in the future.
Start with exercise and start eating healthy foods. You can also keep exercising as long as it doesn't make the blisters worse, such as swimming, lifting weights, or rowing
Tips
- Clean the skin that is starting to become infected and bleeding with antibacterial soap. Next, apply Neosporin ointment to the infected area. Wait a few days before applying natural treatments to the infected skin until it stops bleeding and starts to heal.
- See a doctor if the blisters don't improve within a few days or if they get worse.
