Chafing of the skin

Chafing of the skin refers to red sore skin that has been irritated by something continuously rubbing against it. Wear appropriate clean clothes for activities like sports or exercise to avoid chafing. If chafing occurs, use petroleum jelly or talcum powder as a lubricant on the affected areas of the skin to temporarily alleviate the irritation.

Update Date: 8/14/2011

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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