Chafing is a type of skin irritation that can happen when skin rubs together or against clothing, causing symptoms like redness and rashes . It usually affects areas of the body most prone to repeated friction from skin-to-skin or skin-to-clothing contact, such as the inner thighs, buttocks, or underarms. It’s often worsened by heat, humidity, sweat, and moisture. Chafing can be treated and prevented through lifestyle changes, including over-the-counter treatments or certain types of clothing. Severe symptoms may need medical treatment.
Types of Chafing Types Chafing typically occurs on parts of the body where friction against skin or clothing is more likely to happen. These areas include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762913a82529-414c-46b9-80af-87c9788634fe Breasts: People with large breasts or who are overweight are more likely to experience breast chafing, especially from exercise, sweat, or ill-fitting bras.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297f157681-742f-4e8b-839a-ab3bc2482978 Nipples: Nipple chafing may affect people who are breastfeeding, chestfeeding, or pumping, because of friction. In some cases, it may lead to swelling, bleeding, or crusting.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297f157681-742f-4e8b-839a-ab3bc2482978e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297f9ca6f0-bab3-48a1-a60a-9b6c7f28e1df Nipple chafing can also affect long-distance runners and is sometimes called “jogger’s nipple.”e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629dbac5e51-d2a2-4f95-857a-38959a379f97 Armpits: Exercise involving repetitive arm movements — such as running, walking, or lifting weights — can lead to armpit chafing, especially when combined with sweat.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297f157681-742f-4e8b-839a-ab3bc2482978 Thighs: Inner thigh chafing happens when the thighs rub together, creating an uncomfortable patch of raw-feeling skin.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297f157681-742f-4e8b-839a-ab3bc2482978 Feet: You may experience foot chafing while breaking in new shoes or standing on your feet all day. Foot chafing occurs when the feet or toes repeatedly rub against shoes or sandal straps. This repeated friction can cause blisters (areas of irritated, torn skin that swell and bubble up).e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ffc60a92-946e-46bd-83a5-0047635bfcd0 You may deal with chafing and blisters on the feet more often in hot weather, when your feet are more prone to sweating.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762909a86999-4562-4050-8516-c6c478c10532 Groin: People of any gender are prone to groin chafing due to a combination of frequent friction and moisture in sensitive areas like the penis or vaginal area.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b91a8fcb-ea54-4ed1-b069-c4aa23f1d8d0 Buttocks: Both babies and adults can experience butt chafing. It often happens between the buttocks, where buttocks graze against materials like clothing and diapers, and where the bottom part of the buttocks meet the back of the thighs. In babies, butt chafing can lead to diaper rash if unaddressed.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629566612d2-96f9-47f0-97b6-88cc92ad889d Chafing in adults is commonly caused by running, squatting, or hiking.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297f157681-742f-4e8b-839a-ab3bc2482978
Signs and Symptoms of Chafing Symptoms The signs and symptoms of chafing may include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762911ed1422-2b62-4ad5-82ed-a5ee572f1d94 A red, itchy rash Raised bumps A hot, stinging, or burning feeling on the affected area Tender skin Excessive irritation Flaky, dry skin In severe cases of chafing, you may notice:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762911ed1422-2b62-4ad5-82ed-a5ee572f1d94 Blisters Torn, cracked, or broken skin Welts Swelling of the affected area and its surroundings Muscle pain around the affected area Bleeding Secondary skin infections (infections that can occur on damaged skin)
Causes and Risk Factors for Chafing Causes You may be at higher risk of chafing for a number of reasons. Causes and risk factors for chafing include: Frequent exercise: The more you exercise, the more likely you are to experience chafing, because sweat and repetitive motion cause friction between your skin and clothes. One study found that chafing was among the most common skin problems in athletes, along with blistering, dryness, and redness.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762914c96047-500c-4e5c-a132-c29164cd8351 Tight, irritating clothing: Clothes that are too tight and restrictive can rub against your skin and cause chafing and irritation. Certain fabrics that don’t wick away sweat or are abrasive to the skin can also cause rashes.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629bfac65db-6a2d-478b-834c-406a142cc83e This applies to shoes that are too big or too small, too. High body weight: People with overweight, obesity , or those who have lost a large amount of weight may be more prone to chafing. They’re also at an increased risk of intertrigo , an inflamed rash caused by skin-to-skin chafing in areas where the skin folds or creases, such as the breasts, belly, and neck.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629514041c9-3753-4e9a-b44a-a7a384b07d84 Breastfeeding: As mentioned, people who are nursing may experience nipple chafing when they’re breastfeeding, chestfeeding, or pumping. Warm weather: Hot and humid temperatures can cause excess sweating. When paired with friction on the skin, the combination can quickly lead to chafing.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629dbda6925-6105-42f7-8050-787e3061b63f
How Is Chafing Diagnosed? Diagnosis You may be able to identify mild cases of chafing without seeing a doctor: It’s easy to tell it apart from other rashes because of its location on your body. In minor cases of chafing, you may notice a rash, skin that’s warm or hot to the touch, or torn skin with blisters or sores.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762966b9d74f-b255-4cb3-8826-0ee2036ceb83 See a dermatologist or another healthcare professional if chafing leads to symptoms like a red rash or itching, stinging, or burning in the affected area, as this could indicate intertrigo and become infected.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629160df1a4-09e6-4ff5-b679-46dd8d274b21
Treatment and Medication Options for Chafing Treatment If you have chafing, do your best to limit or stop the activity that creates friction in the affected area. Clean the area of sweat and moisture and pat it dry. You can then treat the affected skin according to the severity of irritation. Over-the-Counter Therapies Nonprescription topical treatments and ointments are the most common ways to treat mild chafing and irritated skin. These include: Aloe vera: Aloe is a plant that’s often used to soothe irritated skin, sunburns, and other wounds. You can apply aloe vera gel to clean, dry skin for a calming effect. Avoid products with alcohol, which can be irritating.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d14de0f3-d36b-4731-be7c-19c162f79f8ce60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c3cdfec3-92b9-4b9b-a57e-f1e8bff1039e Petroleum jelly: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends petroleum jelly to help injured skin heal from cuts, scrapes, scratches, and irritation. It also can stop chafing and prevent blisters from forming.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976294898eebf-d8ed-48e2-9cdc-df6031473735 Shea butter: Moisture-rich creams like shea butter can soothe irritated skin.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ad575427-5533-4f34-96f0-b8a35bcb8652 Zinc oxide: Cream ointments with zinc oxide can calm the skin and create a protective barrier to prevent chafing.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629bd115da9-ebfa-477c-84df-9669f6b097b0 Medications If chafing leads to blisters, torn and cracked skin, intertrigo, or infections, your doctor may recommend medicine to help. These can include: Antifungal and antibacterial creams: If you have a skin infection, your doctor may recommend a cream to kill fungal or bacterial overgrowth.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629bd115da9-ebfa-477c-84df-9669f6b097b0 Oral medications: Your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics or antifungal medications in the case of an infection.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629bd115da9-ebfa-477c-84df-9669f6b097b0
Chafing Prevention Prevention There are measures you can take to prevent chafing. They include: Avoid coarse fabrics and materials that may irritate your skin. Opt for 100 percent cotton to soak up moisture and sweat and offer your skin breathability, especially in hot weather.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c1dee1b7-627d-4ad8-8415-4d79b76938da Wear appropriate clothing for the activity you’re doing, such as athletic tights for running.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c1dee1b7-627d-4ad8-8415-4d79b76938da Wear clean, dry clothing, and keep your skin as clean and dry as possible. If you’re working out or exposed to hot temperatures, bring a towel to wipe off sweat and wear moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you cool. Dried sweat and dirt can also cause irritation, worsening chafing.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c1dee1b7-627d-4ad8-8415-4d79b76938da Before getting active, use baby powder, anti-chafing cream, or anti-chafing sticks on areas of your skin that are prone to chafing. You can apply petroleum jelly, athletic tape, or bandages over your nipples for protection.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976294ea1c72d-2d69-4d3d-8813-9fb08fc3af52e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c1dee1b7-627d-4ad8-8415-4d79b76938da Wear moisture-wicking socks and choose properly-fitting, comfortable shoes before getting active. This can also prevent painful blisters from forming.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ea56dc35-1aa9-48b1-b406-07f430f1f3a7 If a certain exercise or activity causes chafing, look for an alternative that doesn’t trigger skin irritation.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ea56dc35-1aa9-48b1-b406-07f430f1f3a7 Change out of sweaty clothes and shoes soon after a workout. Wearing them for too long can irritate your skin.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f54b9de6-db0c-4fc3-ab29-cbbdfc69ac28
Chafing Prognosis Prognosis and Outlook Chafing is easily treated with over-the-counter products and lifestyle adjustments in most cases. Occasionally, prescription medication may be needed if the skin becomes infected. If you have chafing, try to avoid activities or clothing that may be causing skin friction. To manage chafing, change out of clothing or footwear that may be irritating the skin, clean the affected area, and apply a gentle lubricant to protect and heal the skin. If chafing results in open wounds or if you think your skin may be infected, see your healthcare provider.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d7a615ad-77a8-4d07-b509-fd6ef3065c02
Complications of Chafing Complications Chafing is typically a minor condition. But it may lead to complications in some cases, such as: Blisters and sores: If irritated skin tears, blisters or sores may form. You may need medication if a blister becomes infected.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629bb3f54bb-2779-4e8a-81ef-e5d712fbce98 Intertrigo: Intertrigo, an inflamed rash that happens in areas where the skin folds, can lead to infection that spreads to other parts of the body. These can include candida or Staphylococcus aureus .e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762903d7e604-8d89-480d-9fda-7dac0c0cf63f Jock itch: Jock itch is a fungal infection caused by chafing combined with the same fungus linked to athlete’s foot. It’s characterized by an itchy rash in warm, moist areas of the body like the groin. The rash may spread to the upper thighs and buttocks and can lead to small blisters or areas of scaly, discolored skin.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629e39dc55d-5b5c-4c9e-9fce-b4bc04db5096 Diaper rash: Persistent chafing on a baby’s bottom can trigger diaper rash, or patches of inflamed, itchy skin on the buttocks, thighs, and genitals. In some cases, sores can develop.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d5ac82a5-b11d-4772-8934-65e04915a724
Research and Statistics: How Many People Have Chafing? Research and Statistics As mentioned, chafing is common, especially among athletes. For instance, research suggests about 42 percent of long-distance runners have dealt with chafing, making it one of the most prevalent skin issues for runners, after blisters.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629e970f2c3-3cd7-4d28-8d00-0e9b1064580b
The Takeaway Chafing is a common but preventable type of skin irritation caused by repeated skin-to-skin or skin-to-clothing friction, heat, and moisture. While mild cases heal quickly with at-home care, severe chafing can lead to blisters or skin infections. By wearing moisture-wicking clothing, using protective products, and keeping the skin as dry as possible, you can significantly reduce the risk of complications from chafing. If symptoms persist or worsen, see your healthcare provider.
Resources We Trust Cleveland Clinic: ChafingMedlinePlus: ChafingCleveland Clinic: How to Prevent ChafingHarvard Health Publishing: Friction BlistersCleveland Clinic: Intertrigo
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