Walking is one of the best exercises because it is very convenient and it does not require any equipment; though it is also one of the causes for skin chafing.
Chafing is a skin condition where the skin rubs against other skin when running. It is also caused when the skin is rubbed into a loose fabric. It usually comes sudden with a painful feeling burning sensation. The main contribution to chafing is due to sweating and rubbing between skin surfaces. Most common areas where this often occurs are between the buttocks, between the legs and beneath the breasts. Chafing can often occur in people who carry excessive weight.
One you feel that you skin is already chafed; you should give it time to heal. Chafed skin usually heals after a day or two. If you do have sensitive skin and is prone to irritations, it is about time to wear soft and gentle clothes so that it does not irritate your skin. You should also avoid wearing woollen and scratchy fabrics clothes. Loose and cotton made clothings are the best for skins prone to chaffing. You should choose clothes in which the air can penetrate through the fabric.
In order to prevent skin chaffing, you need to stay dry. One way is to use a talcum powder or cornstarch on your body or any part of your skin which sweats a lot.
You have to drink lots of water as well. In this way, you are hydrated during your active events and this will assist you in perspiring freely to avoid salt crystals on your body which make chafing a higher possibility.
Petroleum jelly can be of great use as well. It keeps the skin areas sliding and avoids rubbing. They can be used too to avoid blisters. The 3B Action cream is a very effective cream used especially for nappy rash and hospital patients suffering from pressure sores.
Once you are chafed, treat the area like an open wound. Wash and clean with antiseptics to prevent infection and cover with a sterile gauze pad that allows the area to breathe until it is healed.
When you wash your clothes, make sure that you rinse the detergent thoroughly. Avoid using strong detergents and extremely scented fabric softeners. These laundry products may cause skin irritation if your skin is sensitive. Another way for you to prevent chafing is to keep from wearing pants which have heavy inseams. This goes especially when you work out and you sweat a lot. When you want to exercise, wear loose clothes so that these won't rub on your skin. Lastly, wash your irritated skin with a gentle soap. Do not use those which have deodorant, since fragrances leave irritating residues to your skin.
Another situation that can lead to chafing is excessive sweating. So to avoid chafing always apply deodorant under your arms and wear loose and soft clothes to fell cool and comfortable. If you are enjoy a regular exercise routine; try exercising at night when it is cooler, in that way you won't sweat as much as you do in the morning.
