Chafing is the reddening and irritation caused on certain areas of the body due to the friction caused by movement. The areas usually prone to chaffing are inner thighs, nipples, groin area, armpit etc. The skin in the areas experiencing chafing becomes sore and tender. Such skin tends to bruise easily and neglect of this condition will lead to infection of the area.
It is usually obese people and athletes that are prone to the occurrence of chafing. Poorly fitted clothes and innerwear also can lead to chafing. The main cause of chafing is the friction caused by the rubbing of the body parts with each other. Various prescription and over the counter drugs are available for chafing. These drugs are extremely expensive and may even cause side effects. Hence natural remedies are preferred as they have no side effects and are more cost effective and readily available at home.
Various Ways To Cure Chafing
1. Aloe Vera
The substances and compounds contained within the Aloe Vera gel are extremely beneficial for the health of the skin. Hence Aloe Vera is extensively used for the treatment for various skin aliments including chafing. Aloe Vera can be used in many ways. Mix one fourth cup of Aloe Vera juice with freshly brewed green tea and about seven to eight drops of lavender essential oil.
Shake this mixture to mix well and spray on the chafed areas of the skin. Alternatively the juice can be directly applied to the affected area to provide instant relief from the itching and redness caused by chafing. Also for immediate attention people who have the Aloe Vera plant at home can just break off a leaf and apply that directly to the afflicted area. This will provide immediate relief from the symptoms of chafing.
2. Ayurvedic Remedies
There are many useful herbs in that can be used for the effective treatment of skin conditions including Chafing. One of the easier remedies is by using turmeric that is essentially available in every home. Mix one teaspoon of water and three teaspoons of turmeric powder. This will form a thick paste.
Apply this paste on the affected area. Cover it lightly with a cloth and leave it for thirty minutes. Another remedy can be made at home using Margosa leaves and Lemon. Take the juice of half a lemon and add to this a handful of margosa leaves that are crushed. Mix well to form a paste and apply this paste on the area affected by chafing. Repeating both or any one of these cures daily will help heal the chafed area very quickly and effectively.
3. Soaks
Soaking the affected area in a relaxing soak is one of the easiest ways to relax and soothe skin that is irritated. Fill a tub with lukewarm water. To this water add ten drops of the essential oil of lavender and two cups of baking soda. Soak the affected area in this bath for about twenty minutes and then pat the area dry. Another method to create a calming, healing and relaxing bath is using green tea, calendula flowers and green tea.
Take one third cup each of green tea, dried calendula flowers and chamomile tea and boil it in about two litres of water. Steep this until it cools and add this to lukewarm bath water. Soak the area affected by chafing in this bath for at least twenty minutes and then pat dry. These soaks are rejuvenating and nourishing at the same time and will help remedy the condition of chafing.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil is an essential oil that has been used by herbalist for a long time to treat ailments affecting the nails and skin. This oil is very well known to have antiseptic properties that prevent and heal infections and compounds that are anti inflammatory agents that can help speed up the entire process of healing.
Hence tea tree oil can be effectively used to treat chafed skin. To use this remedy, dip a piece of cotton or a cotton ball in water and then sprinkle a few drops of tea tree oil on this cotton. Now gently press the cotton ball on the area affected by chafing. Repeat this process daily until the entire chafed area is cured.
5. Cold Compress
Cold compress can be very effective in treating chafed skin if used as soon as the chafing appears. Ice packs can be applied to the skin that is chafed as soon as it happens to soothe the irritation and reduce the redness. The ice packs need to be held against the skin for at least twenty minutes. Alternatively you can use witch hazel to make a compress which is extremely effective due to the anti inflammatory properties of the herb.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.