Wash inflamed areas with a gentle body wash or plain lukewarm water to soothe the irritation and prevent fungal growth/ infection of the skin. Gently, pat the area dry, don’t rub, and try to let the inflamed skin air out for a few moments to completely remove all moisture.
Despite taking precautionary measures against chafing, sometimes it just happens - and there is nothing we can do about it. Unfortunately, people with sensitive skin have an increased risk of chafing. This should not be a reason to stay off the saddle. Here are some tips to get rid of chafing, so you can get back on the saddle in no time.
CLEANSE WITH CARE
CALM IT WITH OINTMENTS
Treat chafed skin twice a day with a zinc-oxide based ointment (often used in diaper rash products) or a balm, to soothe the abrasion and restore damaged skin. If you need something stronger for a one-time incident, try applying a typical over-the-counter corticosteroid twice a day for three days, then taper off and quit before the two-week mark. Corticosteroids are strong and can cause skin thinning/ spider veins and should not be used for more than two weeks at a stretch.
PROTECT THE AREA
Wear breathable, comfortable clothing that does not further irritate the chafed skin. If required, use soft gauze to keep the damaged skin covered - based on where you are affected. Avoid wearing tight clothing that is prone to friction against your skin.
HOME REMEDIES
If you are looking for a natural approach to healing chaffed skin, try the following home remedies to heal chafed skin while preventing infection:
Conclusion
While chafing is not tough to heal, it can be uncomfortable, and prevention goes a long way. It can be prevented by following a healthy diet rich in all the essential nutrients, avoiding excessive sweating, using enough chamois cream on chafing-prone areas, wearing suitable apparel when on a ride and getting out of sweaty clothes as soon as possible after a ride. Chafing can be easily managed and should not be a reason to keep you off your saddle for long!
