Top 5 DIY Fixes for Friction Burns at Home

Top 5 DIY Solutions for Friction Burns (Chafing) Relief at Home

Intertrigo, also known as skin chafing, is a common skin condition that occurs due to friction in body folds and repetitive movements. This condition can cause discomfort, redness, pain, and sensitivity in the affected skin.

Chafing can occur in various areas of the body, such as inner thighs, under the breasts, armpits, groin, buttocks, fingers, toes, and within other folds of flesh. It is primarily caused by constant friction and moisture trapped in skin folds, which facilitates irritation and growth of bacteria or fungi like Candida.

Managing sweat and moisture alongside mechanical friction forms the core of prevention and treatment. Here are some effective home remedies to treat and prevent intertrigo:

Keeping the affected area clean and completely dry: Washing the area gently and drying thoroughly helps reduce moisture that promotes infection. You can even use a cool low hair dryer setting to ensure the area is completely dry.
Wearing loose, breathable clothing: Loose clothing and well-fitting natural fabric bras like cotton help minimize friction and moisture buildup.
Using barrier creams or powders: Barrier creams or powders like cornstarch, prescription powders, or over-the-counter antifungal powders can protect the skin from further irritation. Some people find relief with a paste made from cornstarch mixed with lavender oil.
Rinsing the area with antiseptic solutions: Rinsing the area with diluted bleach baths or using antiseptic washes like hibiclens can help reduce infection risk.
Avoiding excessive sweating: Stay cool, wear light cotton clothing, and take cool showers or dips to avoid excessive sweating.
Applying topical steroids or antifungal creams: If prescribed or recommended, short courses of topical steroids or antifungal creams can reduce inflammation and control fungal infections when they occur.
Using natural oils: Aloe vera gel, coconut oil, and argan oil may help improve skin elasticity, hydration, and promote wound healing while reducing inflammation and preventing the growth of potentially harmful bacteria.
Preventing chafing: Wearing diapers that remain tight or wet for prolonged times can lead to chafing or a diaper rash. Avoiding such situations can help prevent chafing.
Considering alternative treatments: If home remedies are not effective in treating skin chafing, alternative treatments such as creams containing zinc oxide, plant-based balms and ointments, or petroleum-based products may be considered.

Obesity or overweight may increase the likelihood of chafing due to increased skin rubbing and irritation. Sports activities that include repetitive motions may cause clothing to rub repeatedly against an area of skin, potentially leading to chafing. Ill-fitting clothes may also repeatedly rub and irritate the skin, causing chafing.

By following these measures, you can effectively address skin irritation, reduce microbial growth, and prevent worsening of the rash in intertrigo-prone areas.

Parents should be mindful of using diapers that remain tight or wet for extended periods, as it may lead to chafing or diaper rash, which can be prevented.
A parent concerned about skin chafing might consider using a home-based health-and-wellness technique like applying aloe vera gel, coconut oil, or argan oil on the affected skin, which may help reduce inflammation and promote wound healing.
In addition to practicing proper fitness-and-exercise hygiene like showering after excessive sweating, one can also wear loose, breathable clothing made of natural fabrics, such as cotton, to help minimize friction and moisture buildup that can lead to intertrigo.
Skin-care enthusiasts may find relief in using antiseptic solutions, like a diluted bleach bath or antiseptic washes like hibiclens, to rinse affected areas, reducing the risk of infection and promoting recovery from intertrigo.