Suffer No More! How to Get Rid of Chafing Scars Easily

If you have freshly chafed skin, you may be wondering how to treat it. We’ll cover the steps to treat chafing immediately below. Most of the time, the skin will fully heal, and there will be no scarring or evidence of this skin irritation.

However, 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.

However, it still bothers some people. Before we explore treatments for it, let’s take a minute to better understand what causes chafing (and, therefore, chafing scars.)

What Causes Chafing & Chafing Scars?

Chafing is caused by friction, usually when skin rubs on delicate areas of skin. That rubbing can be skin-on-skin, as is the case with inner thigh chafing or chafing between skin folds. Or it can be caused by rough materials or fabrics rubbing against the skin, as is the case with the chafing a starched collar or seatbelt might cause on the neck.

While the primary cause of chafing is friction, some things can make chafing worse, including:

Sweat or Excess Moisture

Sweat creates a damp, sticky skin surface that is more likely to ‘drag’ when it rubs. This means your skin won’t glide over the surface of whatever is causing the chafing. Instead, it pulls. 

As if that wasn’t bad enough, sweat contains salt. And salt can be irritating to inflamed skin. In fact, that’s often where a lot of the burning sensation of chafing comes from. Those tiny salt crystals can also cause micro-tears to the skin, and while they might not be individually visible to the eye, they will cause red skin and inflammation.

So, on days when you’re sweaty, skin chafing is more likely to occur. This is why it’s such a concern for athletes.

Stubble

Remember when we said that chafing is like ultrafine sandpaper rubbing against the skin? Well, if you add stubble into that mix, you might upgrade that sandpaper. Depending on the body part, hair removal will mean hair regrowth, and that regrowth is often coarse to the touch. On body parts like the armpits, inner legs and crotch, stubble can make chafing all the more irritating.

Dry or Irritated Skin

Healthy, moisturized, and strong skin is no guarantee that you won’t experience chafing. But if your skin is already rough and dry or even irritated, you’ll definitely speed up the chafing process and be at greater risk of skin infection.

Chafing Scars & the Inner Thigh Chafing

Chafing scars occur when chafing is not treated immediately, and the chafed skin hardens. Discoloration can occur, often characterized by darker skin. This is especially common on the inner thighs for women since this area is especially prone to friction and the skin of the inner thighs is very delicate.

How to Treat Chafed Skin (Immediately)

Treating chafed skin right away is key to avoiding chafing scars.

1. Make Sure to Clean the Chafed Skin ASAP

The first thing you should do is get out of those sweaty and wet clothes and throw them in the laundry hamper. Hop in the shower and wash all that sweat away.

When it comes to washing, this is a time to keep the temperature lower. Cool water will probably feel really nice against your hot, inflamed skin and will immediately start to reduce the swelling. Also, choose a mild soap (scent-free, hypoallergenic if possible) and lather it up with your hands instead of using abrasive scrubbers like sponges or loofahs. Being gentle is key.

And ‘gentle’ carries on outside the shower too. Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing the skin aggressively. 

2. Apply (and Reapply) Healing Creams on the Inner Thighs or Affected Areas

The following products work in a few ways:

• They help prevent further damage: They protect the skin from further rubbing by helping it glide (indeed, some can also be used to prevent chafing in the first place)
• Healing: They help add moisture back into the skin, which will help the skin barrier begin to repair itself
• Pain management: They have other properties, like cooling, anti-inflammatory, and even numbing properties, that will help reduce pain.

You have a lot of options here (even a good basic moisturizer is better than nothing). Here are some popular choices that can soothe 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

Whichever you choose, reapply it at regular intervals so that the skin doesn’t dry out.

Avoid heavily scented lotions or creams that might aggravate your raw skin. Also, avoid lotions with acids like AHAs, lactic acid, or fruit acids, as these will likely cause a burning sensation on inflamed and raw skin.

3. Consider Your Clothing or Nightwear 

Chafed skin needs a break from the movements that caused friction. If you can, now is a good time to chill out.

But you can also 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, make sure the skin is encapsulated in soft, fitted clothing. For example, if you have inner thigh-chafing, minimize friction between your thighs by choosing fitted clothing that will create a physical barrier while the skin heals. This will also prevent the skin rubbing against itself.  Leggings are a good choice for daywear, or try some shorts like our Thigh Savers. 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 material. This will prevent salty sweat from agitating the skin, thereby giving it a chance to heal. Try our Leakproof Thigh Savers that absorb up to around 1 regular tampon of sweat and are great for light period spotting too! 
• 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. A Step Further: 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
• 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. 

Preventative Measures: Take Steps to Prevent Further Skin Chafing

Chafing can take a bit of time to heal, and to avoid chafing scars forming over time; it’s best to take steps to prevent it going forward. You can help prevent chafing with anti-chafing products. A large part of prevention involves choosing what you wear to prevent skin chafing before it even gets started (or what underwear you wear to help prevent chafing of the inner thighs).

Also, think about choices that will minimize sweat and moisture, which we saw can really exacerbate skin chafing. Look for:

• Clothes (like our Leakproof Thigh Savers) that are moisture and sweat-wicking
• Non-talc anti-chafing powders that can be applied to absorb moisture naturally and reduce friction
• Anti-chafing cream - there are lots of options out there designed to help the skin 'glide,' and your trusted petroleum jelly can even work!
• Antiperspirants and deodorants that can be applied places other than the armpits

It takes a little bit of foresight, but you might save yourself a tonne of trouble if you plan ahead in the case of skin chafing! 

How to Treat Chafing Scars (Medium and Long Term)

If you already have chafing scars, you may wonder if anything can be done to reduce or remove them. There are no guarantees here: We all have different skin tones and heal differently. Some people have surgical cars that completely disappear, and some never fully fade.

Scars are a natural part of life, and there’s nothing wrong with scars, stretch marks, or skin discoloration caused by chafing. 

But if they really bother you, you can also explore the following:

Stick to a Basic Skin Care Routine

Keeping skin smooth and supple will help reduce scars and discoloration. While you want to be gentle with chafed skin when it’s healing, once it’s healed, you can resume regular healthcare. 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 picks 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 the following:

• Laser treatments
• Stronger retinoids

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

Whatever course you decide to follow, you have options!

FAQs on Chafings Scars

How Do You Get Rid of Chafing Marks?

You can get rid of pesky chafing marks by applying healing creams like aloe vera or petroleum jelly, prevent repeated rubbing of the skin by wearing soft, sweat-wicking material, and use ice packs and painkillers as necessary to manage any pain. Consider using products for hyperpigmentation like azelaic acid or Vitamin C, and seek medical advice if the chafing marks are severe. Consistent care and attention to the affected area can help diminish chafing marks and promote skin healing.

How Do You Get Rid of Dark Spots From Chafing?

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.

How Long Does It Take for Chafing to Go Away?

Chafing can take one to two days to heal if treated promptly and appropriately. Immediate treatment, such as cleaning the affected area, applying a lubricating substance like petroleum jelly, and taking steps to prevent further chafing, can help speed up the healing process. 

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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.