Soothing Remedies for Uncomfortable Chafing

Chafing—it can be just as uncomfortable to talk about as it is to experience. There’s nothing to be ashamed of with chafing though because nearly everyone has struggled with it at some point. Chafing rashes and female friction sores can develop anywhere at any time depending on the weather, the fabrics you’re wearing, the activity you’re doing, and your body type. 

What is Chafing? 

Chafing is a skin irritation caused by friction. That friction can happen when skin rubs against skin or skin rubs against clothing. Rashes caused by chafing can become even worse if you’re sweating, since that additional moisture can cling to and irritate your skin. 

Fortunately, chafing typically isn’t serious enough where you need to visit a doctor. Over-the-counter and natural home remedies can temporarily protect and help soothe chafing in most cases. 

Remedies for Chafing: How to Soothe That Rash

The first step in avoiding chafing is preventing it from happening altogether. There are many ways to prevent chafing, especially if you know how and where chafing on you tends to develop. For example, thighs are big chafing points on some people but not for others. The clothing you wear can help temporarily protect from chafing, and so can anti-chafing creams and jellies. 

Look for our three tips on preventing chafing in our article on“Treating and Preventing Chafing.”

Since even the best methods of prevention don’t always eliminate those pesky chafing rashes from emerging, it’s good to be prepared with chafing remedies on hand. There are many over-the-counter ointments and creams that are specifically tailored to help relieve and prevent chafing, as well as natural remedies and solutions you can make at home. 

Anti-chafing creams

Over-the-counter chafing creams like Monistat Care’s Chafing Relief Powder Gel can help alleviate  and temporarily protect the chafed skin at the same time. When you choose a product specifically made for helping soothe chafing, look for fragrance-free products that are less likely to irritate already sensitive skin. Because these products form a protective barrier over the skin, many are also useful in terms of temporarily preventing chafing, like when wearing a dress that rubs in certain places or when biking long distances on an uncomfortable saddle.

Healing ointments

Other more generalized healing ointments can be used to soothe your irritated skin and speed up the healing process. If you are purchasing an over-the-counter healing ointment, be careful of ointments with corticosteroids (like hydrocortisone) that can be great for healing irritated, itchy skin. Medications and ointments with steroids are not meant for long-term use and can cause damage if applied too frequently or over a long period of time. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor. 

Baking soda

Baking soda is a deodorizer that can also treat skin damaged by chafing. Simply mix 3 tbsp of baking soda in water to create a paste. The paste should be thick enough to gel together, but not too thin that it’s runny. Gently rub this solution onto your skin and let it do its work. It can be messy, but in a pinch, it should work.

Cornstarch 

Cornstarch is an ideal home remedy for those who deal with a lot of sweat or live in a humid area because it can help absorb moisture from the skin and reduce friction caused by rubbing. Just dust the affected area with cornstarch and reapply whenever you need to (typically after sweating heavily or bathing). Of course, sprinkling cornstarch can get messy too, but you can always look for alternative chafing products made from powder or powder gels that allow for more precise application.

Petroleum jelly

Petroleum jelly can be used to treat different types of dried skin, including dry chafed skin, which is why you often see it as an ingredient on certain chafing balms and other products. Dabbing a small amount of jelly onto dried skin after showering in lukewarm water will help decrease friction between skin tissues and promote healing. This is another product that can be a little messy and sticky, so leave some dry time before dressing.