Chafing is normally caused by the friction between two parts of the body, leaving a darker coloring and causing much discomfort. Chafing is common on the inner thighs, groins and armpits. A burning sensation, soreness and pain are characteristic of chafing. Chafing of the thighs is caused by the body composition of people on the heavier side or by wearing tight fitting clothing that cling to the body. Sweat that is emitted by the sweat glands of the body will tend to worsen the situation. Hence chafing is most commonly seen in athletes and obese people. Wearing clean and dry clothes will avoid any frictional damage to the area between the thighs as compared to damp or wet clothes. Wearing cotton clothing allows the skin to breathe and reduces sweating. Talcum powders are also helpful in reducing perspiration and prevent the thighs from rubbing against each other especially while jogging, walking or working out. Make sure that you drink plenty of water as this helps to avoid dehydration which causes the skin to become dry. When the skin becomes dry, it darkens. A large number of overweight people tend to suffer from dark inner thighs due to chafing, because of the fat deposits that lie in the thighs. Weight loss reduces the chances of your thighs rubbing against each other, thus reducing the discomfort.
In order to treat an area that is chafed, it should be washed regularly with lukewarm water and soap or body wash, to clean it of all infectious microbes. After applying an anti bacterial ointment, it should be covered with gauze, giving it room to breathe. Massaging sesame oil into the skin, ten minutes before going in for a bath, will help to make the skin softer. A well known anti fungal, anti inflammatory and anti bacterial oil is calendula oil. Zinc oxide is another well known agent in the treatment of chafed thighs. Carrots, yam, parsley, spinach, animal fats and egg yolks are rich sources of Vitamin A which is essential in treating skin problems like chafing. Vitamin C found in citrus fruits is an antioxidant that helps to prevent skin damage. Aloe Vera gel is known for its soothing effect while treating skin problems. Massaging the darkened area with a mixture of a few drops of lemon juice and oil half an hour before a bath helps in lightening the skin color. Almond oil is known to nourish and lighten skin.
answered by G M