How to Prevent Chafing

Chaffed skin, aside from being extremely uncomfortable, can make you vulnerable to worse skin infections and discourage you from pursuing physical activity. Take a lesson from seasoned sports enthusiasts, many of whom practice simple yet effective tricks of the trade to prevent chafing.

Instructions

1. Avoid clothing made of synthetic materials to prevent chafing. Garments made of 100% cotton are usually the best choice for people with sensitive skin. Cotton is known to be gentle on the skin, and it allows the skin to breath.

2. Break in new clothes by washing them once or twice before you wear them to prevent chafing. This will soften seams and remove any residues left over on the fabrics as a result of the manufacturing process.

3. Apply petroleum jelly to areas of your body that are prone to chafing during physical activity. Petroleum jelly will reduce friction in the affected area and reduce the chance of chafing.

4. Use baby powder in areas that are prone to chafing. It will work the same way petroleum jelly does, but it is not as durable.

5. Cover the area with a bandage. This will prevent contact with the area that tends to chafe.

6. Wear compression shirts and shorts under your sports equipment. If you are not sensitive to synthetic fibers, compression shirts and shorts can be a great way to reduce friction and prevent chafing.

7. Switch to a less abrasive activity if all else fails. Swimming, for example, is known to cause little or no chafing in most people.