Anti Chafe Cream Australia

Skin Chafe: What Causes Skin Chafing?

Skin Chafing can be caused by any physical activity involving the continuous rubbing of skin against skin and/or clothing material. The friction generated in this process damages the top layers of the skin and exposes the raw and more sensitive skin below. Our skin is highly durable, but when it endures prolonged irritation from friction or rubbing, it can breakdown resulting in a red rash or in severe cases blisters, swelling and bleeding. Friction can be exacerbated by heat, humidity and perspiration, excessive pressure or force, as well as extreme cold or dryness. 

Athletes are not the only ones to suffer the agony of chafe though, and cyclists commuting, casual joggers running on the weekend or even surfers are prone to suffering irritation from their activity or clothing. You will be able to identify chafing in its early stages and prevent long term damage or scarring if you are proactive. At the first sign of irritation you will notice a stinging or burning sensation at the point of friction. If this is left to continue rubbing, you can cause severe damage to your skin and end up with broken, bleeding skin and scarring. It is recommended to cease the activity or remove/change the item that is causing the friction. Or if you have anti chafe available apply it liberally to the area.There are many common areas where chafing can occur including on the nipples, inner groin and thigh, under and between breasts, between buttocks, under arms, under specialised sporting equipment, and on the feet. Triathletes regularly experience chafing around the neck and under the arms from their tri-suit rubbing, as well as on the feet caused by sand getting in their shoes when transitioning from the swim to bike. Marathon runners are prone to nipple rash, caused by their shirts rubbing against their nipples for an extended period during the race. These pain points cannot be easily remedied and anti-chafe wax or cream is usually the preferred remedy, allowing for easy application and long-lasting relief.

Applying anti chafe will help to create a barrier, protecting your skin from breaking down and providing a smooth surface to remove the friction. Depending on your activity different solutions may work best for your situation. Certain products contain a chemical that can deteriorate wetsuit material, while others are not water-resistant and will wash off immediately if you swim or sweat excessively. Once you know what activity triggers the skin irritation you will be able to plan accordingly and ensure your anti chafe can handle the conditions.

 
What products can prevent chafing?

Anti Chafe Cream Vs Wax Chafing Cream. IRONMAN by Bexters offers two different anti-chafe products, ensuring you have an effective chafing remedy for whatever activity you’re engaging in.

IRONMAN® by Bexters Chafe No More is a non-fragranced chafing cream with a blend of silicones and Aloe Vera that provides light weight, non-greasy chafing prevention. The product is ideal for use in shorter distance events such as half marathons, gym workouts, running, cycling, hikes and every day activities, where you will not be in the water. Chafe No More does not contain vegetable oils, waxes, mineral oils, or petroleum jelly (petrolatum). Nor does it contain water, meaning that it may be applied to previously abraded skin with minimum discomfort.

IRONMAN® by Bexters Anti Chafe Extreme is a blend of silicones, vegetable oils and waxes that creates a thick waterproof chafing cream barrier ideal for long distance and underwater events; such as endurance events, triathlons, marathons, ultra-marathons, swimming and water sports. When applied to the arms and legs, it also facilitates the easy removal of the wetsuit in triathlons allowing for a fast and smooth transition.

The waterproof anti chafe cream wax formula is specifically designed for wetsuit wearers, containing no mineral oil or petroleum jelly, ensuring the formula won’t damage wetsuits or athletic performance material. Furthermore, Anti Chafe Extreme does not contain water meaning that it may also be applied to previously roughened skin with little discomfort. 

 

What Additional Steps Can Be Taken to Prevent Chafing?

• Wear well fitted athletic clothing
• Ensure clothing material used is breathable and expels water quickly and easily
• Wear specially designed socks and shoes suited to the activity
• Avoid Petroleum based lubricants, as these will block your pores and stop your skin from sweating, cleaning and repairing itself
• Petroleum based lubricants can also strip the lining and glue of wetsuits!

 

Now also available to purchase from Chemist Warehouse.
Information used on this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Use only as directed.