Chafing can be caused by moisture and friction and is a sign of stress on the skin. The skin has three layers, and chafing can damage them. The symptoms you suffer will depend on how severe your chafing is.

Mild chafing

Chafing symptoms usually start with sensitive, sore, or tender skin and a burning sensation. Mild chafing, which can be avoided by wearing anti chafing shorts, may not even be noticeable straight away. It may not be until you notice stinging when the area is rubbed on something or touched. The area may become flaky and dry as the area heals, and it may be itchy. It is important to prevent mild chafing from getting worse, such as by wearing anti chafing shorts from Better Tights or another stockist.

Severe chafing

Severe chafing is likely to occur if previous mild chafing has not been dealt with properly or after long periods of activity or particularly strenuous activity. Your skin can become raised and swollen. This is because inflammation is caused by damage to the epidermis, the underlying layers of skin, and even, in some cases, muscle.

Bleeding, broken, or cracked skin indicates that your epidermis has been extremely worn down and, at this stage, your wound may require special care. Antibiotic cream may be needed.

In very extreme cases, sores or blisters can occur. They may need to be protected or wrapped to stop them from bursting and forming an open wound, as this could result in an infection.

Treatment for chafing

Chafing shares many symptoms with contact dermatitis, and many of the treatments are the same. One of the main things to do is identify the cause of the chafing and try to prevent it from happening again. This could be anything from wearing anti chafing shorts to changing the type of underwear you choose.

Moisturising emollients can help by covering the skin in a protective film, and topical corticosteroids can be used to reduce the inflammation and treat the sore skin.