How to Prevent Chafing

Most of us have experienced chafing at some point. It could be a new pair of shoes rubbing against our heels, jeans that are too tight on the waist, or our thighs rubbing together when we’re wearing a summer dress.

The skin is a delicate organ, after all, and sometimes it is easily irritated by the friction caused by skin rubbing against skin or skin rubbing against another material.

Chafing and other skin irritations are often exacerbated by heat and sweat. This is because sweat contains salt, and if you sweat on irritated skin, you’re literally rubbing salt in the wound. Those tiny salt crystals can cause tiny tears and further irritate the skin, making the chafing worse.

While chafing occurs all the time, wouldn't it be better if you could avoid chafing altogether? Well, good news: There are steps you can take to prevent it from happening!

Nipple Chafing, Inner Thighs: Where on the Body Does Chafing Occur?

Chafing can occur almost anywhere on the body where something repeatedly rubbing against the skin causes heat and irritation. Here are some areas where chafing commonly occurs:

• The heels and toes (often caused by stiff shoes that haven’t been broken in)
• Inner thighs (caused by the friction of thighs rubbing 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)
• Nipple-chafing (often happens to male athletes who may experience chafing when the fabric of their top 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 folds of the skin)

Skin-on-skin friction often happens where there are folds in the skin, which may mean the skin rubs together with repeated movement. But skin-on-fabric friction usually happens where there are seams and waistbands or tougher materials meet delicate skin.

Basically: Any person can experience chafing almost anywhere. But here's how to prevent chafing:

1. Prevent Inner Thigh Chafing with Thigh Savers

As we've seen, one of the most common areas to experience chafing in the summer months is between the inner thighs. This is so common it's got its own nickname: ‘chub rub.' And it can quickly go from minor skin irritation to burning pain if you don't take precautions. But you can prevent thigh chafing and groin chafing with a simple product.

These products work by creating a physical barrier between your thighs (usually, they're light shorts). While these are form-fitting, you can look for styles (like our Thigh Savers Shorts) that help manage sweat.

Bike shorts (like our Leakstrong Leakproof Short) or leggings (like our Leakstrong Leakproof Leggings), for example, are designed to be form-fitting, cushioned, have offset seams and are designed to absorb sweat and even period leaks. Even if you’re not a hardcore athlete, you might want to up the ante on your workout clothes to minimize chances of irritation, and ensure you actually enjoy your activity!

On your period or experiencing light bladder leaks? Look no further than our Leakproof Thigh Savers. Or, if you're looking for extra coverage, check out our Leakstrong Leakproof Short with a built-in liner that absorbs about 6 tsp worth of blood, sweat, and pee.

You can also try High Rise Leakproof Thigh Shaper Shorts that are designed to smooth and shape the waist and tummy, as well as help protect the inner thighs from chafing. It can also absorb sweat, blood or urine. Most importantly, it locks that moisture away from the body to help control irritation, and discomfort.

2. Choose Moisture Wicking Clothes that Fit Snugly (Not Tightly)

If you’re looking to prevent chafing on other areas of the body, look for clothing that absorbs moisture and sweat from the skin surfaces. For example, our Leakstrong Leakproof Leggings not only absorb sweat but also about 6 tsps worth of blood and pee.

Because sweat is such a major contributor to the irritation caused by chafing, clothes that absorb moisture help prevent chafing by trapping sweat away from your skin.

But also pay attention to the fit of your clothes. Clothes that fit the body snugly (like leggings) with minimal seams don’t tend to move a lot, so this means there’s less friction of them rubbing against your skin. And because they fit snugly, they also mean your skin is encapsulated, so there’s less skin-on-skin friction.

However, if your clothes are too tight, those tight seams and bands (like waistbands or bra bands) can dig into the skin and cause irritation. So look for products with that perfect second-skin feeling rather than that sausage-like, too-tight encapsulation.

3. Add a Protective Barrier Between Your Skin and Chafing Sources

While shorts are great for protecting the inner thighs, some areas prone to chafing don’t have dedicated products aimed at chafing. But really, what you want to do is add a physical barrier to protect your bare skin from skin-on-skin contact and to reduce friction.

For example, a sports bra can protect your nipples from chafing. Or socks can protect the delicate skin on your feet from severe chafing and reduce friction from shoes or trainers (and if you want that sockless look, there are more and more invisible socklets to choose from.) If you experience chafing along your inner arms, try a fitted tee rather than a tank top. 

There are usually workarounds that still let you wear pretty much whatever you want. And if you absolutely don’t want to adjust what you’re wearing, try some of the topical products in the next section!

4. Explore the Balms and Creams on the Market

There are many anti-chafing products hitting the market to help prevent friction and combat (and treat) skin chafing. Some of these include antiperspirant, and some are more balm-like. Often packaged like deodorant sticks, these products are designed to create a barrier that sits on top of the skin and helps the skin “glide” past other skin rather than it rubbing and creating friction.

It might take some trial-and-error to find an anti-chafe balm or product you like, but they might be worth trying. Some notes to consider: 

• These anti-chafe products might rub off on or stain clothing, and
• Of course, they will run out and need to be replenished!

If you don’t have these products handy, you can even try good old petroleum jelly (aka Vaseline) to create a skin barrier, and it’s worth noting that petroleum jelly can also be used to treat chafing if it does happen.

5. Stay Dry with (Non-Talc) Powders

If sweat is a major source of bother, moisture-absorbing powders can keep you dry by absorbing excess moisture. Look for non-talc all-natural products with ingredients like kaolin or cornstarch to absorb moisture. Other ingredients, like aloe and lavender, can cool, soothe and have antibacterial properties.

Note: According to research, talcum powder may increase the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer, so avoid using this type of powder in the genital area.

6. Try Antiperspirants or Deodorants

As we’ve discussed, sweat is a major contributor to skin-chafing. While we usually think about our armpits when it comes to sweat, you have sweat glands all over your body, including your boobs, groin, back, and thighs. 

Factors that impact how much you sweat include:

• How many sweat glands you have (the average person has 3 million, but it can range between 2 million and 4 million. The more glands, the more sweat).
• Gender
• Genetics
• Age
• Fitness level
• Environment

But if you sweat more, you are more susceptible to chafing. So deodorants or antiperspirants can help.

Antiperspirants work by temporarily plugging your sweat glands, so they are very effective at preventing sweat. Many of us use antiperspirants for underarm sweat (though people increasingly switch to natural deodorants for various health reasons connected with aluminum — the chief ingredient used to plug those glands). 

But whether you are for or against them, antiperspirants can offer an effective solution to sweat. And you can use antiperspirant on other body parts too. That said, the skin around your groin and inner thighs may be more sensitive. You should also avoid putting product around your vulva, where it may cause irritation and even infection.

7. Treat Sensitive Skin Gently: Keep Clean and Dry (but Moisturized)

Chafing can happen more easily (or thoroughly) if you already have irritated or broken skin. There are certain body parts where the skin is just naturally more delicate. These include:

• The skin of the inner thighs and vulva
• The breasts and nipples (and beneath the breasts)
• Inner arms and armpits

Always make sure that you are treating the skin gently. This includes not scrubbing too hard in the shower nor drying too aggressively (pat dry rather than rubbing harshly.) It also includes the kinds of products you choose: Products with scrubbing particles or acids (like lactic acid, fruit acid, or AHAs) may irritate, as might products with a strong fragrance. 

Also, consider the temperature of the water you’re bathing in: Hot showers and baths can irritate sensitive skin. If your skin is sensitive (or is already a chafed area), gentle washing with a scent-free shower gel is ideal. Pat the skin dry and moisturize it with a light lotion.

While gentle cleaning is best, it is also worth noting the importance of staying clean and dry. If you work up a sweat, don’t sit around with wet skin in damp and sweaty workout clothes. If it’s a steamy hot day, you might want to change your underwear even after a short stroll. 

Those damp conditions can easily aggravate the skin (as well as creating a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause skin infections, UTIs, or yeast infections!). So shower and change often to keep the skin clean and dry. But treat it gently, so you don’t cause any irritation.

Too Late? If Your Skin is Chafed, Follow These Steps…

So, you have chafed skin. You’re probably in quite a bit of pain. What can you do right now to offer relief? Try these steps:

• Clean the affected area with cool or lukewarm water and a scent-free, gentle cleanser
• Pat it dry
• Apply a balm or cream like Vaseline, aloe vera gel, or argan oil to the affected area
• Let the skin rest: Try to minimize the movement that caused the chafing
• Sleep in clothes that encapsulate the area: That burning sensation may really bother you at night. If your inner thighs are affected, try sleeping in leggings or shorts, so the thighs don’t continue to rub against each other
• See a doctor if the chafing doesn’t clear up in a few days, or:
• A wound opens up 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
• The skin is very hot or swollen
• Redness spreads beyond the point of chafing

Chafing is usually highly irritating but not medically concerning. Follow the steps outlined above, and you’ll hopefully be able to avoid it altogether!

FAQs

How Do I Stop My Inner Thighs From Chafing?

When your thighs rub together, shapewear (like Thigh Savers) is your friend. Slather petroleum jelly or apply skin lubricant on sensitive skin areas, or use powders like talc to keep things dry. The key here is to keep your inner thighs as dry as possible. Less moisture means less irritation.

What Is the Best Thing to Prevent Chafing?

If you want to prevent chafing, make sure you're wearing comfortable and breathable fabrics. Also, try to dodge activities that rub your skin the wrong way. Consider using anti-chafing products like petroleum jelly or specialized lubricants. They work wonders in reducing friction and keeping things smooth. Keep those areas prone to chafing clean and dry.

How Do I Stop Chafing Down There?

You can stop chafing in sensitive spots like your inner thighs, groin, or underarms by using anti-chafing balms and powders, opt for breathable clothing, and choose products like Thigh Savers to stop skin rubbing in the first place.

Does Vaseline Prevent Chafing?

Yes, Vaseline can help prevent chafing. It forms a protective barrier that resists sweating and keeps the skin lubricated and moisturized, reducing friction and irritation. Additionally, Vaseline All-Over Body Balm Jelly Stick can be applied to the inner thighs before exercising or walking to effectively protect against chafing.

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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.