Chafing is one form of disease which affects the small intestine. Those suffering from Chafing will have damaged ‘villi’ in the small intestine. Villi are the small protrusions inside the small intestine which absorb the nutrients from the food and deliver it to the blood stream. Gluten is a nutrient present in the wheat and interestingly, those suffering from Chafing develop a sort of resistance to Gluten. Even a small quantity of gluten makes them feel sick. Symptoms of the disease include vomiting, weight loss, constipation, abdominal bloating and pain in the abdominal region, stool with bad smell and diarrhea. Other effects of the disease are that it causes arthritis, affects the functioning of other glands like the thyroid gland, liver etc. Addison’s disease and Sjogren’s syndrome are the other diseases associated with Chafing. According to a recent survey millions of people the world over are suffering from this disease

What is chafing?

Chafing is a disease which is caused when two parts of the body rub against each other and the friction created by frequent rubbing causes irritation. In some cases it may even cause soreness. Those who are obese are prone to chafing. Experts say that chafing is an indication or warning to the patient that he is obese and has to take urgent remedial measures to shed the excess weight. Particularly athletes and those who engage in a lot of physical exercises like running, walking etc sweat a lot. If they do not wash properly, the salt present in the sweat could accumulate and that would be another cause of chafing.

Where chafing can happen?

It can happen in any part of the body. Normally it could happen in the armpit area or in the thighs; chafing can also happen when excessive sweating occurs like in the groin area etc.

What are the results of chafing?

Chafing causes skin irritation and in many cases it could also be painful. Those suffering from chafing in the armpit and in the thighs are the ones who are more prone to embarrassing situations.

Treatment for chafing:

Doctors suggest that the chafed area should be kept open and not be covered. This ensures faster healing of the affected part. But, in reality this may not be possible, particularly during daytime. So, they suggest that such persons should wear loose garments at least at night. The next treatment is application of the ointment Noxzema or Vaseline or some skin ointment which reduces the pain and ensures faster healing of the affected part. Many anti- fungal and anti-bacterial medicines are available. But, continuous use of these chemical-based medicines may have some side effect over time.

1. Home Remedies
2. Other Remedies
3. Diet

Home Remedies for Chafing

Home remedies include some herbal and other form of natural treatment which is quite effective in combating chafing. Now let us understand some of these natural remedies.

Calendula as a Home Remedy for Chafing

Properties: Calendula is a plant native to the Mediterranean. It is also grown in Iran. The plant belongs to the family of Asteraceae. This plant should not be confused with Marigold or desert marigold etc.

How to treat chafing using calendula:

Using the flowers of calendula plant, oil is prepared. This is available over the counter. The properties of this oil are that it is anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and it is anti-bacterial, too. Calendula oil is recognized as the most appropriate remedy to fight chafing. The oil sooths the skin and reduces irritation and pain and also cures the affected part.

Aloe Vera as a Home Remedy for Chafing

Properties: Aloe Vera grows in arid climates with its leaves being thick and it is almost green in color. The plant is stem less. Some aloe vera plants have short stems.

How to treat chafing using aloe vera:

Some experts are of the opinion that Indian aloe vera plant is the best remedy to cure burn injuries and other skin problems. The oil present in the leaves of the aloe vera has been extracted and the same is available in most of the medical stores. By applying this oil on the affected part, the irritation of the skin can be reduced. The aloe vera oil is also quite effective in curing the affected part.

Another method is to mix vitamin ‘E’ ointment with aloe vera and applying on the affected part.

Turmeric as a Home Remedy for Chafing

Properties: This plant is largely grown in south Asia. This perennial plant belongs to the ginger plant family. The powdered root of the plant is largely used as a spice in most of the Asian countries. Turmeric either in powdered form or un-powdered form is also used for worshipping in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka etc. Turmeric is known for its medicinal properties.

How to treat chafing using turmeric:

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. Just take the root of the turmeric and mash it and make a fine paste. Now apply this paste to the affected area.

Ginseng as a Home Remedy for Chafing

Properties: This perennial plant is largely grown in China, Siberia and Korea. The plant is known for its medicinal and curative properties.

How to treat chafing using ginseng:

Ginseng is available both in tablet format and oil format. One or two tablets a day depending on the severity of the chafing should be taken. Alternatively, ginseng oil, if applied on the affected part will aid in the cure of chafing.

Coconut oil as a Home Remedy for Chafing

Properties: It is actually a combination of Coconut oil, Tulsi and Amla that is used as a home remedy for chafing. While coconut oil is extracted from the dried coconut fruit, Tulsi (in botanical language it is known as Ocimum tenuiflorum) is a small plant belonging to Lamiaceae family. It is grown world over and is known for its amazing curative and medicinal qualities. For Hindus Tulsi are also a very sacred plant and every house of a Hindu will invariably have a Tulsi plant in front of their house.

Amla is a fruit which is of the size of a lemon and is greenish yellow in color. It is largely grown in India and many other parts of Asia and Africa. Amla fruit is bitter in taste and is known for its medicinal value and curative properties. Extensive research on Tulsi and Amla has been made and medicinal and curative properties have been established from this research.

How to treat chafing using coconut oil:

The extract of Tulsi and Amla are mixed thoroughly with coconut oil and then it is applied on the affected part. It has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It fights bacteria and cures the affected part.

Sandalwood as a Home Remedy for Chafing

Properties: This tree is largely grown in Asia and Australia. Sandalwood is used for purposes of carving, medicinal and has religious purposes. Its distinctive aroma is something amazing. Some researchers are of the opinion that the aroma itself has much medicinal value.

How to treat chafing using sandalwood:

Sandalwood is available in oil and in powder forms. If one prefers he can apply oil on the affected part. The powder format can be used by making a paste of the powder and applying it to the affected part.

Neem as a Home Remedy for Chafing

Properties: The botanical name for the neem tree is Azadirachta indica and actually belongs to Mahogany family. This fast growing tree is largely found in Asia. In fact many Hindus worship the neem tree. According to researchers the Neem tree has both medicinal and curative effects for more than 40 diseases and chafing is one such disease which can be cured by neem.

How to treat chafing using neem:

A paste of neem leaves is prepared and then few drops of lemon extract (not juice) are added to the paste. The mixture is applied to the affected part. The anti-fungal and anti-bacterial characteristics of neem are quite effective in curing chafing.

Manuka tea tree as a Home Remedy for Chafing

Properties: This plant is called by various names like Manuka or tea tree or Leptospermum scoparium (which is its Botanical name). This shrub is largely grown in New Zealand and Australia. The leaves of the plant are known for its anti- bacterial potency.

How to treat chafing using Manuka tea tree:

The oil extracted from this shrub is available over the counter. Add few drops of honey to this oil and liberally apply it to the affected area.

Other Home Remedies for Chafing

Ointment of Vitamin ‘A’ and Vitamin ‘D’ is thoroughly mixed with Vaseline and this mixture is applied to the affected part.

Treat chaffing as an open wound. Wash it thoroughly and well with warm water, dry it well and then apply antiseptic powder so that the infection is contained.

Diaper Rash cream should be applied at least twice a day

A mix of oatmeal and olive oil should be applied to the affected part which gives great relief. Allow this mixture to stay on the affected part for at least 30 minutes. Thereafter clean the area and apply antiseptic medicine.

Precautions to Prevent Chafing

Yes, it can be prevented. For this, one must be cautious of himself and he must understand prevention is always better than cure. Following preventive measures are suggested:

As far as possible use a powder instead of a deodorant. This is because deodorants have a tendency to become sticky resulting in accumulation of sweat and impairing free movement of the hands.

Those who sweat too much should thoroughly wash their face or take bath at least twice a day so that the salt present in the sweat does not accumulate. They must drink enough water to drain out the salt in the sweat.

If two parts of the body are rubbing against each other, say for example the thighs, the person should apply petroleum jelly so that rubbing parts slide and thereby reduce friction.

Those who sweat should not wear synthetic undergarments because the synthetic materials do not absorb sweat and therefore the area remains wet. It also causes friction leading to chafing.