How to Prevent Chafing During Exercise
Exercise takes a lot of self control. Just when you make your mind for a session of exercise, the bed seems softer, the weather gets brighter and your feet start dragging. However, those with a strong mind looking for a healthy mind make it and work on it. Things do not end here. During exercise, you can face tension, pain and pressure in the body as it works and gets exhausted. You might also pull a muscle. Chafing is one problem you can face. During exercise, the skin gets sensitive due to sweating and when it rubs with the fabric of your clothes or other skin, it gets raw and leaves you with a stinging and burning feeling. The patch of skin gets irritated and severe chafing can also lead to bleeding. This can discourage you from exercising and make the sessions uncomfortable. Chafing can happen at any part of the body but the most sensitive areas are the bra line, the inner thighs, and under the arms. Do not let chaffing ruin your workout routine and prevent it effectively.
Instructions
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1
The best prevention is to stay dry during the exercise. Chafing is encouraged by moisture which makes the skin sensitive. Wear clothes that are sweat wicking. Do not wear cotton fabric because it retains the moisture and keeps your skin wet. Synthetic fabric draws the moisture away and also dries quickly. Choose clothes without seams or very fine seams. Rough seams cause friction and chaff the skin.
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2
While choosing cloth size, go for a fit that is not loose. The movement of loose clothing over your body irritates your skin and causes chaffing. However, do not get skin tight clothes as they can do the same by creating friction and will not let your skin breath. Take special care while selecting bras and shorts. Tags on the clothes can also irritate the skin. Take them off or cut them before using the clothes. If you are cycling, use padded bike shorts to prevent chaffing at the bottom area. Your bike seats should also be comfortable.
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3
Keep your body moist through use of lotion and Vaseline. Applying these products will help make a safety layer over the skin which will protect it from chaffing. Apply on all chaff sensitive areas before starting the exercise session. You can also use talcum powder to keep the skin dry from sweat so that it does not get sensitive.
