Out for your morning run, but chafing’s holding you back? Down the street on your afternoon road bike ride, but chafing has you in pain? You’re dedicated to getting your daily workouts in, but when you’re uncomfortable and in pain, it can be difficult to complete.
Chafing is one of the most uncomfortable things to experience when trying to work out. Rather than focusing on your workouts and your exercise, you’ve become completely consumed by your pain and irritation. If this sounds all too familiar, then know that chafing relief is in sight.
You don’t have to suffer from chafing pains anymore. Continue reading below to learn how to deal with chafing while running or mountain biking. Here’s everything you need to know!
Related Read: Top 5 Biking Trails in Canada
Tip for Chafing Relief While Biking
Wear the Right Clothing
The type of clothing you wear has a big impact on whether you experience chafing or not. Cotton should be avoided when engaging in activities that can cause chafing. Instead, you’ll want to wear clothing that drys quickly.
When wet clothing is stuck to your body, it’ll cause more irritation and sweat in that area. You also want to wear the right fit of clothing as well. The clothes you wear shouldn’t be loose, but they shouldn’t be too tight either.
Try to find clothing without seams. If there are seams in the clothing, then they could rub up against your skin in those areas, adding to the irritation. Wearing spandex is a great choice.
It’ll help keep your skin from rubbing and not constrict you in any way. As soon as you’re done exercising, remove your workout clothing to prevent chafing after the workout is complete.
Use a Skin Salve
Using a skin salve on your most chafing prone areas is one of the best ways to not only prevent chafing but relieve the pain as well. You can use the salve before putting your workout clothes on. Rub it on those areas that you experience chafing in while running or quad biking.
The salve will create a barrier between your skin and your clothing and your skin on different parts of your body that rub. You can also use the salve after your workouts are complete. If there’s an area that’s irritated, rub the salve onto it for relief.
The salve will help soothe irritated skin and bring it back to its original state.
Stay Dry When Possible
Chafing occurs when the skin is rubbed together or something else rubs against the skin. These conditions worsen when there’s moisture involved. When you sweat or run and bike in wet conditions, you raise the risk of chafing.
To help prevent chafing, it’s best to stay dry when possible. This is why wearing quick-dry clothing is so important. You can also consider using a sports powder on chafing areas as well.
Sprinkle the powder on and allow it to absorb sweat and other moisture while you work out.
Drink Plenty of Water
When you sweat, the salt in your sweat sticks to your skin. Once this happens, it adds to the friction, creating more chafing. When you’re hydrated, you sweat more freely and the salt in your sweat won’t stick to your skin and build up as much.
Drink plenty of water before you work out, during the workout, and after. The amount of water you need to consume can depend on a few different things. Your body weight, age, and type of workout you’re doing are all factors to consider.
Speak with your primary care physician to discuss appropriate water intake and don’t forget your biking water bottle.
Put on Soft Bandages
Applying soft bandages can help with chafing and can be an addition to the other precautions listed above. Use a soft bandage that won’t restrict you in any way and won’t irritate your skin.
A flexible bandage will move with your body, protecting the skin under it from chafing. Using soft bandages on the feet is a great idea.
Avoid the Hottest Weather
Although you might work up a sweat while exercising even in the air conditioning, you’re more prone to sweating when you’re in a hot environment. The more sweat, the more chafing.
You’ll want to avoid the hottest weather during the day when planning your workout or exercise times. Try to run or bike either in the early morning or the late evening when the sun is at its weakest.
Wash the Area Well
Even if the affected area is small or only slightly irritated, you’ll want to wash it well to prevent infection. Use a mild soap and lukewarm water. Water that’s too hot can burn the now-sensitive area.
After cleaning the area, pat it dries gently. Don’t rub the area dry. You don’t want to use anything on the area other than mild soap to clean it, either.
You can then use the salve on the irritated area and apply a gauze around it. If the area becomes worse or looks infected, then it’s best to schedule an appointment with your doctor and follow their instructions.
Recommended Read: 5 Bike Trails Around the World
It’s Time to Find Your Own Chafing Relief Today
How long have you suffered from chafing? If you’ve been a victim of chafing, then it’s time to find your own chafing relief today! Why continue to be uncomfortable and in pain when there are solutions?
Follow the tips listed in this guide above to prevent and heal chafing on your skin.
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