How To Remedy Thigh Chafing

Thigh chafing can happen to anybody at any time. But when it does happen, what can you do about it? Obviously not moving isn’t really a practical option, so how can you allow the skin to heal from its irritation?

In this article, we’ll cover steps to offer immediate relief when your thighs have become chafed. Oh the bliss you'll feel when that skin heals! We’ll also look at steps you can take to prevent skin chafing from happening again in the future. 

But first, let’s understand inner thigh chafing a bit better.

Understanding Skin Chafing: Why Does It Happen?

No matter what you call it; chub rub, thigh chafing, sweat rash, groin rash, etc…thigh chafe is a painful experience. 

Skin chafing is the result of friction. That friction can occur when the skin rubs against itself. For instance: As you walk or run, your inner thighs rub and brush past each other. If they are not covered (e.g. when you’re wearing a dress), this skin rubbing can cause friction which builds the more you move.

Another possible source of friction is your clothing. Seams (whether tight or not) can sometimes rub against your skin and cause minor irritations along that contact point.

It’s worth noting that skin chafing can happen on many different body parts (armpits, under your breasts, around waistbands, heels and toes etc.) However, inner thigh chafing can be particularly problematic during the summer.

Some other notable features of chafing:

1. Happens More on Warm Days

Warmer temperatures mean the skin is already warmer than usual, so friction can further heat the body. But - more obviously - it’s on hot days that we tend to shed layers of clothing. The fact that more of our skin is exposed means far more opportunity for the skin to rub against itself.

2. Delicate Skin Chafes Faster (Cue: Inner Thighs)

Skin contact definitely causes chafing, but it’s delicate skin that is most susceptible to chafing faster. The skin of our inner thighs is usually quite soft and sensitive. In general, if you have more sensitive skin, you are more likely to see and feel chafing.

3. Sweat Exacerbates Chafing

Another reason chafing happens more in the heat is because we sweat more when it’s hot outside (or when we’re exercising). And that excess moisture can be pretty killer! Sweat contains salt crystals and when sweat evaporates, it leaves those miniscule crystals on the skin’s surface. Those crystals can increase the friction, literally rubbing salt in your wounds.

4. Chafing Is Not Really About Size or 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. For example, you could be an athlete who has significant muscle bulk and still experience chafing. Sometimes, even just the unique shape of our body means that our legs may come into contact more at certain points. 

Thanks to 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 and we can all treat chafing effectively!

Immediate Relief When You Have Chafed Skin

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

Use Mild Cleansers & Pat Dry

As mentioned, sweat can exacerbate chafing and unclean skin that becomes irritated is more susceptible to infection. So if you find yourself with chafed skin after a walk, run or hike, do hop in the shower.

However, avoid scalding hot water and aggressive cleaning. Instead, shower in cooler water and use a gentle cleanser. Pat the skin dry gently too. You don’t want to further aggravate the chafed skin accidently with your towel.

Apply Petroleum Jelly (e.g. Vaseline)

Once your skin is dry (and hopefully feeling a little cooler) apply some lubricant. Petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) is something most of us have handy in our medicine cabinet. Some people also have success with baby’s diaper rash creams. 

...Or Try Coconut Oil

One friend of mine prefers coconut oil to Vaseline and swears it is more effective at keeping the skin moisturized without feeling excessively greasy. You could also try Argan Oil. Lots of choices here, but the key is some form of moisture that will help soothe. Stay away from moisturizers with fruit acids, AHAs or strong scent as they may cause further irritation.

Let the Skin “Rest”

It can be hard to stay still, but if you can, rest up a little. Maybe this is a good time to catch up on Netflix. While it may feel unseemly, sitting with the legs stretched apart will allow air to circulate, which will in turn help calm the skin and heal chafing.

Prevent Further Thigh Friction

We get it - it’s unlikely you can sit still with legs spread until chafing is completely healed. So make sure you’re not worsening it when you do need to be up and about. You can swap into clothing that creates a physical barrier between your thighs. Try wearing anti-chafing shorts during the day so you don’t further exacerbate the irritation. On your period or experience light bladder leaks? Look no further than our Leakproof Thigh Savers! 

Sleep in Leggings or Shorts

Ever notice that bug bites itch so much more at night? That’s because as your body winds down it feels every little irritation so much more. Dealing with chafing is really no different.

To ensure a good night’s sleep, think about wearing something to bed that will keep your thighs from rubbing together while you sleep. That skin to skin contact can be dreadful at a time like this! Cotton leggings or shorts will do the trick. Try to pick breathable fabrics so the skin does not get hot and clammy.

Use (Non-Talc) Powder to Keep the Area Dry Until Healed

As you resume your favorite activities, like walking, hiking and running, think about ways to minimize sweat. Moisture-absorbing powders can help keep the groin, thighs and other body areas (like feet) dry. 

Look for non-talc all-natural products with ingredients like kaolin or cornstarch to absorb moisture. Other ingredients, like aloe vera and lavender can cool, soothe and have additional antibacterial properties.

Note: Talcum powder may increase risk of ovarian and uterine cancer, so avoid using this type of powder in the genital area. (source)

You Should See a Doctor If….

Chafing will usually heal in due course. However, keep an eye on the area because there’s always a risk of 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

The good news is that chafing rarely warrants a visit to the doctor. And now that you know how to prevent chafing in the first place, you’ll hopefully avoid a repeat incident. 

In the Future: How to Prevent Inner Thigh Chafing

Hopefully that helps you take care of your chafing for the time being. For the future, you can use a lot of the same steps to prevent it from happening in the first place. 

Here are some additional helpful tips:

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 of performance clothing is very form-fitting; so that it stays put and doesn’t add to the friction inevitably created by your activity. 

Wearing leggings, for example, will reduce friction and prevent your thighs from rubbing against each other. 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 either off-set seams, or seamless clothing and underwear!

If you’re doing any athletic activity and are prone to chafing, it’s worth looking into specialty  sweat-wicking workout gear. Bike shorts, for example, are designed to be form-fitting, cushioned, have offset seams and are moisture wicking. Score!

...Or, Wear What You Want & Simply Switch up Your Underwear

Although it may seem that we’ve all spent the last year of the pandemic living in our leggings, it’s totally reasonable not to want to wear leggings 365 days a year. Don’t worry - you can wear your favorite summer frock and still prevent chafing. Simply switch from regular underwear to anti thigh chafing shorts (or leakproof thigh savers) and wear all of your favorite things!

Skin Irritation Be Gone: Experiment With Other Anti-chafing Products

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. These products are designed to create a barrier that sits on top of the sensitive skin of inner thighs and helps the thighs “glide” past each other rather than rub and create friction.

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
• They will run out eventually (as all products do) and need to be replenished

We hope we’ve helped set you on the path to an enjoyable, chafe-free summer ahead! 

Written by Jane Flanagan — Updated on February 6, 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.