Chafed skin may seem like a trivial matter. However, when clothing rubs against the skin for a long time, the chafed skin can cause more serious problems. Most rashes between the legs are caused by friction on the skin. As a result, the skin can become irritated and if sweat gets trapped under the skin, the rash can turn into an infection. Fortunately, most skin rashes can be treated at home before they cause complications.
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Part 1 of 2: Treating Rashes
Step 1. Choose clothes from breathable materials
Wear cotton and other natural fibers throughout the day. Choose underwear made of 100% cotton. When exercising, wear synthetic materials (such as nylon or polyester) that absorb moisture and dry quickly. Clothing should always feel comfortable.
Try not to wear clothing that is rough, scratchy, or can trap moisture, such as wool or leather
Step 2. Wear loose clothing
Clothing around the feet should be loose enough to keep the skin dry and breathable. Do not wear clothing that is tight or presses against the skin. Clothing that is too tight will rub against the skin and cause blisters. Most rashes between the legs are caused by blisters.
- The blisters usually occur along the inside of the thighs, groin, armpits, under the abdomen and nipples.
- If not treated immediately, blisters can become inflamed and become infected.
Step 3. Keep the skin dry
After bathing, dry the skin well. Use a clean cotton towel and wipe the skin carefully. Rubbing the skin can make the rash worse. You can use a hairdryer on the lowest setting to dry the rash area. Do not use high heat as this can make the rash worse.
It is important to keep the area of the rash dry and sweat-free. Sweat is high in mineral components and can make rashes worse
Step 4. Know when to see a doctor
Most skin blisters can be treated at home without the use of medication. If the rash doesn't improve within 4-5 days or if it gets worse, see a doctor. This step is especially important if you suspect the rash is infected (e.g. fever, pain, swelling, or pus appears around the rash).
Avoid rubbing the rash, keep it clean, and you can lubricate the area of the rash so it gets better in 1 to 2 days. If the situation does not improve at this point, consult a doctor
Step 5. Follow your doctor's treatment recommendations
The doctor will perform a physical exam to see if the rash indicates lesions. If your doctor suspects you have a bacterial infection, he or she may order a culture. This test will tell the doctor what species of bacteria or fungus is causing the infection and what treatment is needed. Your doctor may prescribe one (or more) of the following medications:
- Topical antifungals (if caused by yeast)
- Oral antifungals (if topical antifungals fail to clear the rash)
- Oral antibiotics (if caused by bacteria)
- Topical antibiotics (if caused by bacteria)
Part 2 of 2: Relieves Itching
Step 1. Clean the rash area
Since this area will become sensitive and may sweat, it is important to wash it with a mild, unscented soap. Wash and rinse the rash area using warm or cold water. Rinse the soap until it is completely clean. Soap residue can make skin irritation worse.
- Consider using a vegetable oil-based soap. Look for soaps made from vegetable oils (such as olive, palm, or soybean oil), vegetable glycerin, or vegetable butters (such as coconut or shea).
- Make sure you shower immediately after sweating a lot. That way, moisture won't get trapped in the rash area.
Step 2. Sprinkle dry skin powder
Once your skin is clean and dry, you can sprinkle a thin layer of powder to prevent moisture from accumulating between the skin folds. Opt for baby powder without perfume, but check first to see if it contains talc (which should only be used in small amounts). If baby powder contains talc, use only a small amount. Several studies have linked talc to an increased risk of ovarian cancer in women.
Avoid using cornstarch because bacteria and fungi like it and cause skin infections
Step 3. Lubricate the skin
Try to keep your feet moist at all times so they don't cause blisters when the skin rubs against each other. Use natural lubricants such as almond oil, castor oil, lanolin, or calendula oil. The skin must be clean and dry before you apply the oil. Consider covering the area of the rash with clean gauze to protect it.
Apply lubricant at least twice a day or more often if you notice the rash is still rubbing against clothing or skin
Step 4. Add essential oils to the lubricant
Lubricating the skin is an important step, but you can also apply herbal essential oils that have healing properties. You can also add medicinal honey as it has antibacterial and antifungal properties. If you want to use herbs, mix 1-2 drops of the following oil with 4 tablespoons of lubricant:
- Calendula oil: this flower oil can heal wounds on the skin and act as an anti-inflammatory.
- St John's wort: usually used to treat depression and anxiety, but has also traditionally been used to treat skin irritations. Be aware that children or pregnant/breastfeeding women should not use St John's wort.
- Arnica oil: more research is needed to understand the healing properties of this herbal oil made from flower heads. Children or pregnant/breastfeeding women are prohibited from using this oil.
- Thousand leaf oil (yarrow): This essential oil made from the thousand leaf plant has anti-inflammatory properties and supports healing.
- Neem (neem) oil has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. This oil also shows satisfactory results when used in children with burns.
Step 5. Test the mixture on the skin
Since your skin is already sensitive, you need to make sure the herbal oil mixture won't cause an allergic reaction. Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and dab a small amount on the inside of the elbow. Cover the rash area with a bandage and wait 10-15 minutes. If no reaction occurs (such as a rash, stinging, or itching), you can safely use the mixture throughout the day. Try to apply it at least 3-4 times to make sure the rash area is always treated.
This herbal mixture should not be used in children under 5 years of age
Step 6. Take a bath with oatmeal
Pour 1-2 cups of chopped oatmeal into knee-length nylon stockings. Make a knot in the stockings to keep the oatmeal from spilling out, then tie it to the bathtub faucet. Open the hot water tap and let the water run through the stockings into the tub. Soak for 15-20 minutes and pat dry. Do this once a day.
