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This article was co-authored by Ellen Turner, MD. Dr. Ellen Turner is a Double Board-Certified Dermatologist based in Dallas, Texas. She is board-certified in dermatology through the American Board of Physician Specialties and in functional medicine through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Dr. Turner is the founder of the Dermatology Office, with locations in Dallas and Irving, offering an array of dermatology services, including medical, cosmetic, surgical, and laser procedures. She is an Allergan Master Injector Emeritus, and she focuses on elective aesthetic procedures in her medical practice, including Silhouette InstaLift™, BOTOX®, Juvéderm®, Restylane®, Emface, Exion, and laser and light-based devices. Dr. Turner is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the Texas Dermatology Society, the Dallas Dermatology Society, the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, and the Dallas County Medical Society. She is also a member of the medical staff at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas . She recently served as the Dallas chairman of the board of APEX, a network of independent physician specialists devoted to improving the quality of medical care in Texas and beyond. Dr. Turner performed her medical school training at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in Lubbock and her dermatology residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Maybe you are an avid runner who wants to avoid a skin rash between your thighs during every marathon. Or perhaps you have larger thighs that rub together in the summer when you walk, causing an annoying and often painful rash, otherwise known as chafing. Chafing usually occurs in places that get a lot of skin to skin contact or skin to fabric contact, like your thighs, groin area, underarms, and nipples.[1] There are several ways to prevent chafing before it starts or gets worse, so don’t let it slow you down.
How can you stop chafing?
- Wear athletic clothes and underwear made of synthetic fibers to wick away moisture.
- Remove sweaty or wet clothing ASAP and keep chafing areas clean.
- Use a body glide or powder to lubricate the skin getting chafed.
- Apply petroleum jelly or aloe to soothe chafed areas.
Steps
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1Wear the proper clothing when working out. When exercising, its important to wear workout clothes that aren’t too tight and are made out of synthetic fibers, not cotton. Unlike cotton, synthetic fibers lift moisture from your body as you sweat. So there will be less of a chance of wet skin rubbing against each other, which leads to chafing.[2]- Wear compression shorts if you are cycling or running long distances to prevent chafing between your legs.
- Choose exercise clothing and sports bras that have smooth seams to avoid rubbing against your skin, especially your underarm area.
- If you notice your skin chafes when you wear a certain pair of shorts or pants during your workout, switch to a different pair.
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Switch from cotton underwear to hiking underwear if you are going to be active outside. If you are a runner or hiker and want to prevent chafing in your groin area, wear underwear that is made of synthetic fibers.[3]- Avoid underwear made out of modal, rayon, viscose, tencel, lyocell, and bamboo. These are all wood fibers and behave very similarly to cotton when they get damp or wet.
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Change out of sweaty clothes right away. To prevent chafing, its important to stay dry as wet skin can make chafing worse. So don’t stay in wet or sweaty clothing after a workout or a long day in the heat. Change into dry, clean clothes right away.[4] -
Keep the area clean. If you are experiencing chafing between your thighs, gently clean the area to remove any dirt or sweat. If you are experiencing chafing in another part of your body, like your nipples, or your underarms, clean this area well after a workout or a long day outside.- Do not scrub or rub the area. Instead, wipe it gently with a warm wet cloth. Use mild soap that is unscented so it won’t irritate your skin.
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Try Bandelettes. Bandelettes are bands of stretchy lace 6” long that also have a silicone grip that fits on your thighs.They prevent rubbing by forming a barrier between your thighs.[5]- Order Bandelettes online and measure your thighs to find the right size.
- This is a great option if you are squeamish of lubricants or powders and want a product you can slip on easily.
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Wear boxer briefs under skirts and dresses. A pair of fitted men’s boxer-briefs are super breathable, as they are made with cotton, and they fall at the perfect spot on your thighs to prevent any touching or rubbing.
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Apply a lubricant to reduce friction on your skin. One of the most popular products used by runners to prevent chafing is body glide.[6] Simply apply it to areas that are prone to chafing, like between your legs, under your arms, and on your nipples. The lubricant should stay on your skin and absorb moisture during even the hottest days of the year.- Another lubricant that you can get over the counter is Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel.
- Other popular lubricant products include HikeGoo and Red11.[7]
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Use a powder to remove moisture on your skin. Look for a powder that has micro-particle polymers that glide over your skin and absorb sweat.- Try a powder that will keep your skin dry, like the bizarrely named Lady Anti Monkey Butt Powder.[8]
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Apply petroleum jelly to the area. Before you step out for a run or for a walk on a hot day, apply petroleum jelly to any areas on your body that are prone to chafing, like between your thighs or under your arms.[11] -
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Make your own lubricant. If petroleum jelly is not enough to stop the chafing, create your own lubricant by mixing together vitamin creams and natural creams.[14]- Mix equal parts Vitamin A and Vitamin D ointment with petroleum jelly. Then, add Vitamin E cream and Aloe Vera cream to the mixture. The aloe vera should give the homemade cream a nice smell and consistency.
- Aloe Vera is a great addition because it protects your skin from chafing and can help to heal any irritated skin.
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Apply baby powder or talcum powder to any chafe prone areas. This will help to keep your skin dry and prevent any chafing, especially on a hot day.[15]
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Clean the chafed area. Gently wipe between your thighs, under your arms, or over your nipples with water, or a warm wet cloth. Be sure to dry the area well after washing it.[16] -
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Let your skin heal before being active again. Continued friction in the area will only make it worse and could lead to infection. So take a break from your morning run or walk. Switch to pants instead of shorts for a few days.[18]- If the chafing does not improve after several days, talk to your doctor. You may need medicated ointment or cream to heal the chafing.
- And if the steps above have been helpful, be sure to download this article as a PDF so you can print, read, or reference it any time.
Common Questions: Preventing Skin Chafing
What are the best over-the-counter anti-chafing sticks?
RunGuard Natural Anti-Chafe Stick, Megababe Thigh Rescue, and BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm are some of the best, most popular over-the-counter anti-chafe treatments. These anti-chafe sticks are effective in preventing chafing and are made with natural ingredients. They’re go-to brands among many runners and athletes.[19]
Which fabrics or clothing materials cause the worst skin chafing?
Fabrics like cotton, denim, and wool are more likely to cause bad skin chafing. Avoid materials like cotton that aren’t moisture wicking, since excess sweat can cause chafing. Likewise, steer clear of materials like wool that are rougher and will rub against your skin more aggressively.[20]
How do you treat severely chafed skin overnight?
Gently clean the area, pat it dry, apply aloe vera or petroleum jelly, and wear loose clothes. If possible, take a break from the activity that’s causing your chafing. Severe cases may take longer to heal and can require treatment from a medical professional. If your chafing irritation persists for more than a few days without getting better, or it’s oozing or bleeding, see a doctor for treatment.[21]
Tips
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about managing sensitive skin, check out our in-depth interview with Joel Warsh, MD.
References
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/chafing-causes-treatments
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/chafing-causes-treatments
- ↑ https://sectionhiker.com/bodyglide-skin-chafing-prevention/
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/chafing-causes-treatments
- ↑ http://queerfatfemme.com/2013/06/07/introducing-bandelettes-a-sexy-new-way-to-prevent-thigh-chafing/
- ↑ http://www.bodyglide.com/
- ↑ http://runblogger.com/2014/05/how-to-avoid-chafing-while-running-nipples-thighs-and-other-spots.html
- ↑ http://www.antimonkeybutt.com/index.php?src=directory&view=products&srctype=detail&refno=2703&category=main
- ↑ http://runblogger.com/2014/05/how-to-avoid-chafing-while-running-nipples-thighs-and-other-spots.html
- ↑ http://www.marathonguide.com/features/questions.cfm?ID=22
- ↑ http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Chafing.html
- ↑ Joel Warsh, MD. Board Certified Pediatrician. Expert Interview
- ↑ http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Chafing.html
- ↑ http://www.thewalkingsite.com/blisters.html
- ↑ http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Chafing.html
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/chafing-causes-treatments
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/chafing-causes-treatments
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/chafing-causes-treatments
- ↑ https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/g37340104/best-anti-chafing-stick/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23517-chafing
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23517-chafing
About This Article
To prevent chafing, apply some petroleum jelly to the areas you usually chafe in before you go for a walk or run. You can also use baby oil, almond oil, or aloe vera. Alternatively, try sprinkling baby powder or talcum powder over areas that are prone to chafing, which will help keep your skin dry so you don't chafe as much. In general, try to wear loose-fitting clothing made out of synthetic fibers since tight, cotton clothes can cause chafing. To learn how to stop chafing using commercial products, scroll down!
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