Chafing occurs as a result of skin-to-skin rubbing. Heat, humidity and sweat makes chafing more likely to occur, particularly in moist areas between the thighs, under the breasts and sometimes under the armpits. Chafing is much more pronounced if you wear synthetic fabrics that trap moisture in and reduce airflow to vulnerable areas. Soothe chafing skin by getting air circulation to the body, using medicated creams, rinsing and drying off thoroughly, and using powder.
Remove your clothes and walk around nude whenever you are at home. If modesty or circumstances prevent you from doing this, put on a peasant dress or caftan, or something that allows air to circulate freely around your body. The air reduces moisture on the skin.
Apply a cream when necessary. Apply a medicated cream if the area in question feels really irritated. Smooth on an over-the-counter cortisone cream such as Cortaid. The cream will stop the inflammation and soothe your skin. If the cortisone cream doesn't work and redness or tenderness get worse in the next 24 hours, you may have a yeast infection. Try applying Lotrimin or Monistat, anti-fungal creams that are sold over-the-counter for yeast infections. Just follow the dosage instructions on the package. You may want to consult you doctor, as well.
Rinse your body and then rinse again. After you bathe or shower, rinse your self thoroughly so that no soap remains on your skin. Soap residue can compound chafing by irritating the skin, and that can disrupt your body's natural moisture barriers that normally shield you from at least some of the friction generated by skin-to-skin rubbing.
Dry your body with a towel using a patting motion, without rubbing your skin. Turn on your hairdryer to the lowest setting and dry all areas that are prone to chafing and yeast. Be meticulous in drying. Lift your belly if it hangs down a bit and dry the skin underneath. Lift your breasts and dry underneath as well, and pay particular attention to your thighs.
Sprinkle your body with an absorbent powder. Sprinkle a light covering of Zeasorb powder in area prone to chafing. The powder is available at the local drugstore and will actually absorb at least some of the excess moisture as you move through the day's activities, as well as attack yeast cells that might colonize on your skin.
Tip
Lose some weight. The best way to prevent chafing is to lose excess pounds. You will be much less likely to have sagging skin that can rub against the rest of your body.
