How to Get Rid of Chafing Marks

Chafing is a skin irritation caused by repeated rubbing. Skin rubbing creates friction which causes the skin to become hot and inflamed. 

Chafing can be exacerbated by sweat, which causes the skin to become salty and sticky. It can also be exacerbated by existing skin irritations, stubble from hair regrowth, or any other rough materials that come in contact with the skin (from clothing to sand on the beach.)

If you have chafing, you’ll want to get rid of it ASAP. In this article, we’ll look at ways to treat chafing right when it happens. With proper treatment, your skin should heal completely.

However, repeated chafing may cause scars or discoloration to occur. So, we’ll also look at how to treat more permanent marks from chafing.

Inner Thighs, Neck, Feet—Chafed Skin Can Occur Almost Anywhere

Chafing can occur almost anywhere on the body where you have skin folds or where the skin rubs together (skin-on-skin contact.) Sensitive skin is always more susceptible; the inner thighs are a common place to experience chafing for this reason.

But chafing can also occur because certain materials rub against the skin. For example, you might find a purse strap rubs against the neck, or the tough leather of a new shoe chafes your heels.

So chafing can occur almost anywhere and to anybody. But here are some of the more common spots:

• The heels and toes (often caused by stiff shoes that haven’t been broken in. Sometimes, you'll have to treat blisters as a result of this kind of chafing)
• Inner thigh chafing (caused by the friction when the thigh skin rubs together and often exacerbated by groin sweat or stubble from bikini hair removal)
• Beneath the boobs (often caused by too-tight or too-loose underwire bras that rub against the rib cage. Can also be exacerbated by boob sweat)
• The collar or neck (often caused by a stiff, starched collar or even a seatbelt or cross-body purse strap for some people)
• Nipple-chafing (often happens to male athletes who may experience chafing when the fabric of their running vest rubs against the nipples. Less common in women as sports bras are usually worn)
• Inner arm or armpit chafing (another area where the skin is delicate and friction can easily happen between the skin folds)

Immediate Relief: How to Treat ‘Fresh’ Skin Chafing 

1. Make Sure to Clean the Chafed Skin

Chafing generally happens when the skin is hot and sweaty, so we’re more susceptible to it in the summer months or when working out. Damp, clammy skin can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause yeast infections and other skin infections. So, the first thing you should do is get out of those sweaty and wet clothes and hop in the shower and wash all that sweat away.

Cool water will probably feel really nice against your hot, inflamed skin and will immediately start to reduce the swelling. Also, choose a gentle soap (scent-free, hypoallergenic if possible) and lather it up with your hands instead of using abrasive scrubbers like sponges or loofahs. Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing the skin aggressively. 

2. Apply Petroleum Jelly, Aloe Vera Gel, or Another Soothing Product to Help Healing

There are a number of products that can be applied to:

• Soothe chafed skin and offer immediate relief (cooling, anti-inflammatory, and even numbing properties)
• Help the skin heal faster
• Form a protective barrier to prevent chafing

Petroleum jelly is a really popular option, but here’s a full list of products to consider for treating chafed skin:

• Aloe vera gel (aloe vera is known for its cooling properties, especially when used on sunburn)
• Argan oil (nutrient-rich and has anti-inflammatory properties)
• Coconut oil (coconut oil reduces inflammation and helps heal wounds)
• Shea butter (contains vitamins A, E, and F, antioxidant vitamins that promote circulation and healthy skin cell growth)
• Diaper rash cream (serves as a barrier cream)
• Petroleum jelly, aka Vaseline (petroleum jelly keeps the skin slick to prevent further rubbing)
• Medicated ointment

Chafing can happen in lots of different places on the body (we’ll cover that in the next section), so do think about what product is appropriate for what body part. You should reapply whatever product you choose every few hours.

3. Consider Your Clothing or Nightwear

Chafed skin needs a break from the movements that cause friction. If you can, now is a good time to chill out, or you could make chafing worse and cause further irritation.

But you can also reduce friction and treat chafing by thinking about what you wear. Here are some good considerations:

• Create a physical barrier around the chafed skin: To prevent further skin-on-skin chafing and reduce friction, make sure the skin is encapsulated in soft, fitted clothing. For example, if you have inner thigh-chafing, you need to minimize friction between your thighs at this point, so choose fitted clothing that will create a physical barrier to prevent the thighs from rubbing together. Leggings are a good choice for daywear or try some Leakproof shorts. If you’re turning in for the night, opt for pajamas rather than a night dress.
• Sweat-wicking materials are key: If you’re going back outside or will be moving around, sweat-wicking materials will keep the skin dry. Athletic leggings and fitted athleisure tops are usually made of this kind of material. This will prevent salty sweat from agitating the skin, thereby giving it a chance to heal.
• Choose soft materials: Cotton, modal cotton, and soft sweat-wicking materials will feel cool and comfortable next to the skin. Avoid anything hard or scratchy, like thick denim that hasn’t yet been broken in or wool.
• Watch out for seams: Athleisure wear usually has offset seams to prevent the seams from causing chafing. But thick protruding seams (on joggers, jeans, and bulky sweaters) may only aggravate chafing further. So, look for products that are seam-free or have offset seams. 

4. Ice packs, Painkillers, Possibly a Visit to Your Doctor

We all have different pain thresholds, and if you’re in sincere pain, you can absolutely consider taking an over-the-counter painkiller (always follow the dosage guidelines.)

Ice packs can also bring additional relief; just make sure you’re wrapping the ice pack in something (an old tea towel or pillowcase is ideal) before pressing it against the skin.

You might also wonder if you need to visit the doctor. Most often, the answer to this is ‘no.’ However, there are some exceptions, and here are some clear signs you might want to have a doctor take a look:

• A wound opens up around the chafed area and doesn’t scab over in a few days (assuming it’s not further exacerbated)
• You notice blood or pus coming from a chafing wound or cracked skin (a sign of skin infection)
• The skin is very hot or swollen
• Redness spreads beyond the point of chafing

That said, chafing does not usually require medical attention, and it’s simply a matter of giving the skin time to heal. 

Medium-to-Long Term: How to Treat Chafing Scars and Discoloration

If you have a body part that undergoes continuous cycles of chafing and healing, you may notice some scarring or skin discoloration that stays permanently. This often takes the form of darker skin (especially common on the inner thighs), and it is perfectly normal and is not considered medically concerning.

Prevent Future Skin Rubbing and Skin Chafing

Prevention is almost always better than the cure. If you are susceptible to repeated chafing in certain body parts, explore anti-chafing products to prevent chafing from happening again. This will help you avoid permanent marks from chafing altogether or at least prevent existing marks from worsening, giving them a chance to heal and fade.

Products like Thigh Savers will help protect your thighs from chafing. There are also anti-chafing balms and powders that you can try. Read more about helping prevent chafe here. 

Maintain a Healthy Skin Care Routine

Keeping skin smooth and supple will help reduce scars and discoloration. While you want to be gentle with chafed skin when the skin barrier is healing, once it’s healed, you can resume regular skin care to prevent irritated skin. This includes:

• Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation will help skin shed old skin and renew itself. You can use a body brush or gentle scrubs. Don’t go for anything too scratchy—scrubs with oats or sugar are good options.
• Moisturizer: Keeping skin moisturized will help reduce scarring. A lot of the ingredients in the products used to treat chafing immediately will continue to soothe and heal the skin. Top ingredients for addressing marks or scars include aloe vera, coconut oil, or Vitamin E oil. 

Always Practice Sun Protection

If the skin is discolored, it’s important to protect it from further sun damage. Always wear an appropriate SPF (30 or higher is best) on the affected area. Avoiding the sun altogether is also a good option.

Try Products That Address Hyperpigmentation

Many over-the-counter products make claims to reduce pigmentation. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, “these ingredients can fade existing dark spots. In some cases, the ingredient can also slow down the production of melanin, which is what causes the dark spots and patches.”

• Azelaic acid
• Glycolic acid
• Kojic acid
• Retinoid (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene gel, or tazarotene)
• Vitamin C

Always patch-test these products before applying them on a large surface area. If you are applying these products to your inner thighs, be careful that you don’t get them close to your vulva, as they may irritate this delicate area and disrupt your pH balance.

See a Dermatologist

It’s worth emphasizing again that scars and discoloration are natural and not something you should feel bad about. However, if you are really hung up on these things, it might be worth talking to a dermatologist. 

They’ll be able to assess the skin and recommend products and procedures beyond over-the-counter creams. Some options may include:

• Laser treatments
• Stronger retinoids

Your dermatologist will also advise you regarding ongoing skincare and prevention of further chafing. 

FAQs on Chafing Marks

Do Chafe Marks Go Away?

Chafing marks can fade over time, but there is no guarantee that they will completely disappear as healing varies from person to person. Maintaining a basic skincare routine, exfoliating regularly, keeping the skin moisturized, practicing sun protection, and using products that address hyperpigmentation, like azelaic acid or retinoids can aid in minimizing the appearance of chafing scars

How Do You Get Rid of Chafing Discoloration?

The best way to avoid chafing discoloration is to prevent chafing in the first place. Use anti-chafing products like Thigh Savers or Leakproof Thigh Savers to protect your skin from rubbing and irritation. Consider using products that address hyperpigmentation like azelaic acid, glycolic acid, kojic acid, retinoids, or Vitamin C. Always patch-test these products before applying them widely.

How Do You Get Rid of Chafing Spots? 

To get rid of chafing spots, apply ointments like petroleum jelly or aloe vera to soothe the skin and form a protective barrier to prevent further irritation. Avoid activities that cause chafing and reduce friction by encapsulating the skin in soft, fitted clothing. Use ice packs or try an over-the-counter pain relief if you're in a lot of pain. 

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We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. 

We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.