Chafing wounds

Chafing wounds

Chafing occurs when the skin is exposed to friction or pressure over a long period of time. The skin becomes sore and red, and fluid-filled blisters often form. LenaPharm has good products for both the prevention and treatment of chafing wounds.

Prevention of chafing

The only way to avoid chafing is to prevent from the beginning, and at least as soon as you start to feel friction!

Good socks are important. It is important that the fit and thickness are correct, and that they transport away moisture well. Consider wearing two thin socks so that they slide against each other instead of against the skin. Nylon stockings work to some extent, but they are quickly destroyed. LenaPharm also sells specially made chafing socks that both prevent and treat foot ulcers.

Choose the right shoes/boots and walk them in before you set out on longer walks.

Chafing plasters are available in many sizes and can be applied before the trip. Place the patch where you usually get chafing.

There is also a chafing stick that prevents chafing by making the skin glide better and thus be exposed to less friction. Dry the exposed skin area before applying the staple.

Sports tape over exposed areas also reduces the risk of chafing. Especially on the toes, sports tape is often more suitable than plaster. Make sure that the tape is placed on dry and warm skin, and that there are no folds or similar when it is applied. If you are allergic to sports tape, silk tape can be used.

Treatment of chafing wounds

If the accident is the first to happen, the right treatment is important to ensure as quick a recovery as possible:

• Wash your hands before cleaning your own or other people's wounds.

• Clean the wound with tap water, pyricept or chlorhexidine (0.5-1 mg/ml).

• You should preferably not puncture the blister, it should be kept as long as possible if it is not too painful. The blister protects the wound and reduces the risk of infection.

• If the blister still needs to be removed, poke a hole with a sterile needle. Puncture several small holes in the outer edge of the blister and allow the fluid to escape, but keep the overlying skin to protect the wound from infection.

• Cover the wound with an absorbent bandage that fits tightly. Tensoplast tape can be used to attach the bandage. This is elastic and sits well on the skin. A chafing patch can also be used on existing chafing wounds, but it must not be removed too soon or loosened during the healing process, as this can make the pain worse.

• Ease the wound as much as possible, and keep the area clean and dry.