How To Prevent Thigh Chafing

Thigh chafing is a common complaint — especially during the summer months. Thankfully, it’s a topic that we’ve been much more open in talking about during recent years. This has led to all kinds of innovative products to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Wondering where to look? Let’s start at the beginning and get clear on what exactly chafing is and why it happens.

What Is Inner Thigh Chafing? 

No matter what you call it - chub rub, thigh chafing, sweat rash, groin rash, etc. - thigh chafe is a painful experience. But what is inner thigh chafing, and why does it happen?

Inner thigh chafing occurs when delicate skin between the thighs rubs together or when other materials rub repeatedly across the skin. These repeated movements can cause the skin surface to become irritated.

Chafing Is All About Friction

The problem is really about the friction, either of skin rubbing against skin or other materials rubbing against the skin of the inner thighs. This friction that happens when the thighs rub together creates tiny tears in the skin, which become red and irritated. If the skin is shaven, stubble and hair regrowth can also add to any friction, making chafing worse.

Skin Chafing Can Happen Anywhere Skin Comes in Contact With Other Skin

Although we’re focusing on inner thigh chafe, chafing can happen anywhere on the body, for both men and women. Common body areas susceptible to chafing include:

• Thighs
• Groin
• Underarms
• Under breast and nipples 
• Feet and ankles (new shoe chafing!)

But Skin Chafing Happens Most Often to Delicate Skin

One thing all these areas have in common? The skin is delicate. It makes sense that more delicate skin would have a harder time withstanding friction. It’s just like delicate fabric - you need to treat it more gently. 

Sweat Exacerbates Chafing and Skin Irritation

You know the old adage about rubbing salt in wounds? That’s literally what happens when sweat comes in contact with chafed skin. It causes further pain and irritation. This is because sweat contains salt. When sweat evaporates, tiny salt crystals can be left on the skin. These exacerbate the friction, which just keeps the problem going.

… Which Means It Happens More in Summer

The sweat/chafe connection means that chafing happens a lot more in the summer, which makes sense. After all, everyone sweats more in the summer months.

But there’s another reason: We wear less clothing in summer, so our skin comes in contact more often. Yep, there’s a double-edged sword to those cute summer dresses, which can just seem entirely unfair. But don’t worry - we’ll get to those steps needed to prevent chafing (and keep you in your floatiest, prettiest summer frock!)

… & to Athletes Who Repeat Certain Movements

Friction is always exacerbated by repetition. This is why it can happen when walking, hiking, running and cycling. These repetitive movements (along with the sweating that usually accompanies them) mean that chafing is often a natural (albeit frustrating) byproduct of exercise.

Chafing of Inner Thighs Can Happen to Anybody, No Matter What Your Weight

The fat activist community lovingly coined the phrase “chub rub” to normalize and destigmatize talking about chafing. However, thigh chafing (and chafing in general) can happen to anybody. 

Thanks to these body-positive activists, we’ve all become more comfortable discussing this reality (and now have many more solutions to choose from!) So let’s keep the conversation going!

How to Prevent Chafing

Now that we’re all on the same page about what chafing is and why it happens, let’s look at how to prevent thigh chafing from happening in the first place. Chafing prevention will help you avoid that itchy skin / hot raw skin in the first place by minimizing skin-to-skin contact.

Stay Clean & Fresh!

Sweat and bacteria definitely exacerbate chafing (and may even cause infection), so it’s important to stay clean and fresh, especially in the groin area. This means showering regularly with a mild soap, changing your underwear daily, and washing clothes that have become sweaty (especially workout clothes) after each wear.

Wear Tight (But Breathable) Clothing to Reduce Friction

Creating a physical barrier between the skin can go a long way in preventing chafing. But let’s not forget that certain fabrics can cause chafing, too. This is why so much performance clothing is very form-fitting—it stays put and doesn’t add to the friction inevitably created by your activity. Wearing leggings, for example, will reduce friction and prevent the thighs from rubbing against each other.

Irritation can often become a lot more irritating at night. So swap your nightdress for PJs, cotton leggings or anti-chafing shorts, and your thighs won’t come into skin-on-skin contact while you’re trying to doze off.

Pay Attention to Seams 

As mentioned, chafing doesn’t just happen when skin rubs together. It can also happen when materials come in contact with skin. Clothing seams are often a particular source of friction between the legs, as the material is usually thicker and rougher at the seams. Pay attention to where seams sit and opt for smooth seams, off-set seams, or seamless clothing and underwear!

...Or, Switch to Anti Chafing Underwear or Shorts

Nothing begets irritation like further irritation. So take a break from whatever friction-inducing activity you were doing. Or at least swap into clothing that creates a physical barrier between your thighs. 

Knix anti-chafing shorts (we call them Thigh Savers) come in 4” (these protect your upper inner thigh) and 6” (mid-thigh shorts) and in 6 nude/neutral shades. Compression shorts are similarly a great option for during the day. This way, you won’t further exacerbate the irritation. On your period or suffer from light bladder leaks? Try our Leakproof Thigh Savers!

You can also explore anti-chafing thigh bands as an alternative to underwear (but we prefer to simply incorporate the thigh protection in our underwear - thigh bands just add another garment to mess around with!)

Explore Personal Anti Chafing Products, Like Anti Chafing Lubricant or Body Glide

There are many anti-chafing products hitting the market to help combat (and treat) thigh chafing. Some of these include anti-perspirant, and some are more balm-like. Often packaged like deodorant sticks, anti-chafing sticks are designed to create a barrier that sits on top of the sensitive skin of  inner thighs. They help the thighs “glide” past each other rather than rub and create friction that can cause skin irritation.

Some report success with good old petroleum jelly (aka Vaseline) which, they claim, is as good as chafing creams.

It might take some trial-and-error to find an anti-chafe 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 upholstery
• Anti-chafing products will eventually run out and need to be replenished!

Use Powders (Not Talc!) to Minimize Moisture

If sweat is a major source of bother, moisture-absorbing powders can help keep the groin and thighs dry. 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: Talcum powder may increase the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer, so avoid using this type of powder in the genital area (source.) Instead, look for talc-free baby powder or anti-chafing powder that is formulated to prevent chafing.

When Exercising, Look for Performance Sweat-Wicking Fabric

If you’re doing any athletic activity and are prone to chafing, it’s worth looking into specialty workout gear. Bike shorts, for example, are designed to be form-fitting, cushioned, have offset seams, and are made of moisture-wicking fabrics. These spandex shorts help protect skin in the thigh area.

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! Look for leggings with moisture wicking fabric, so you never have to experience that sticky feeling. Instead, you can just enjoy dry skin, no matter how active you are. 

How to Treat Thigh Chafing, if it Occurs

Nobody likes to experience chafing - it's better to avoid chafing in the first place by taking the preventative steps outlined above. But if you have painful chafing from repetitive rubbing, here’s what to do about it:

Do Not Further Irritate the Skin (Use Mild Cleansers)

This is not a time for body scrubs, scalding hot water, or aggressive towel-drying. Irritated skin needs to be left alone as much as possible to calm down. Use mild cleansers to ensure the area is clean and gently pat the skin to dry. 

Protect Your Thighs from Further Irritation

None of us want irritation to build up. Remember to take a little breather from whichever friction-inducing activity you were in the middle of. Alternatively, you could always switch into different clothing that allows for more of a barrier between your thighs, like anti-chafing shorts or leakproof thigh savers.

These thigh-savers come in various lengths, sizes and shades that'll keep you cool, calm and collected throughout the day. 

Moisturize to Soothe

To soothe the skin and help it heal, try applying a light layer (don’t slather it on) of petroleum jelly, like trusty old Vaseline. Some people also succeed with baby’s diaper rash creams or aloe vera gel. 

When to See a Doctor?

While painful, a little bit of chafing is generally nothing to worry about and will heal itself if not further exacerbated. 

However, keep an eye on the area because there’s always a risk of a skin infection when skin is torn. Here are some signs that you might want to schedule a doctor’s visit:

• 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

It’s worth noting that the above rarely occurs, but prevention is always the best course of action.

Written by Jane Flanagan — Updated on March 5, 2023.

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.