Due to the physical nature of their work, chafing can be a common problem for carpenters. Painful, uncomfortable and embarrassing, chafing is usually caused by clothing that rubs against the skin or friction. The most common areas affected by chafing are the inner thigh, groin area, underarms and armpits. In this blog post, we look at how you can prevent chafing from happening as a carpenter.

What are some common causes of chafing for carpenters?

Carpenters are in a unique position when it comes to the risks of chafing. As you know, carpentry work involves a lot of repetitive movements, and that can lead to some serious friction. This makes chafing a rather common problem for carpenters, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are some common causes of chafing for carpenters:

• Wearing clothes that don't fit properly or aren't made of breathable materials
• Wearing trousers or shorts that are too tight and don't allow you to move freely
• Not showering or washing your hands after working with grease or other substances that could cause irritation

How can I make my chafing less painful?

If you're experiencing chafing, you know it's not the most pleasant feeling. Often, it can be hard to do anything but sit around and moan. However, there are ways to make your chafing less painful. For example:

Use body glide or Vaseline to keep areas where you tend to chafe

Body glide and Vaseline are both examples of products that can help reduce friction and chafing legs. This is because the petroleum jelly helps to create a layer of protection between your skin and your clothes. The result is that areas that commonly chafe aren't able to rub against each other as you work.

Try wearing loose-fitting clothing made of synthetic fibres

Wearing loose-fitting clothing made of synthetic fibres can help to make chafing less painful for carpenters because the fabric is more likely to wick away sweat and moisture. The anti chafing synthetic fibres will also keep the skin dry and cool, keeping chafing at bay.

If you know you're going to be working outdoors, put on some sunscreen before heading out

As the sun beats down, it causes your skin to become dry and cracked. This can lead to chafing, which can cause blisters and pain when you move around. In order to avoid this painful problem, carpenters should put on some sunscreen before they go outside.

Can I prevent chafing from happening in the first place?

As a carpenter, you're likely to get dirty and covered in dust and debris. However, clean skin is one of the best defences against chafing, so start and end the day with a shower to remove any sweat, dead skin cells, bacteria and dirt which could cause friction. If it's a hot day, consider packing a spare pair of clothes with you so you can get changed into clean clothes during the day too.

For more information on chafing remedies, feel free to contact a member of our team at No More Chafe today.