Chafe (redirected from chafing)

Chafe 

inflammation of the skin formed in places where there is pressure or friction.

Sores from chafing most often arise on the skin of the feet from improper selection of footwear. Sweating and flatfoot promote the development of such sores. They are manifested by a painful area of redness and edema of the skin, often with formation of blisters filled with transparent fluid. Complications may set in from infection, with the formation of a furuncle, abscess, or lymphadenitis. Treatment consists in the removal of the cause, as well as warm baths with potassium permanganate. The blisters are opened and anointed with brilliant green or methylene blue. If blisters are absent, an aseptic oily dressing is applied. Chafes can be prevented by observing the rules of personal hygiene, selecting proper footwear and clothing, controlling perspiration, and treating for flatfoot.