What Is Thigh Chafing?

Thigh chafing: If you know, you know... 

Like a paper cut or blisters on your heel, it’s one of those pesky little irritants that can cause a world of H-U-R-T. But why does inner thigh chafing happen? Does it happen to everyone? And - most importantly - what can you do about it? We’re going to get into it all. 

But first, spoiler alert: You don’t have to live with thigh chafing. Want to know more? Read on...

Why Do Thighs Chafe?

The skin of our inner thighs is delicate, and delicate skin is more susceptible to irritation. 

That irritation can occur when the thighs move against each other, causing friction. It happens gradually and the effect arises from repeated movement. As well as the inner thighs rubbing against each other, chafing can be caused by other materials rubbing against your delicate skin, like the seams of clothing or too elastics.

It’s worth noting that chafing doesn’t just happen on thighs; in fact it can happen anywhere on your body. Some people experience chafing under the arms, under their breasts and around their waistbands. Most of us have experienced chafing on our feet or ankles when breaking in new shoes.

But thigh chafing is also common and, as mentioned at the beginning, it can cause significant pain and annoyance when it happens.

What Does Chafed Skin Look Like?

Initially, chafed skin will simply look red. You’ll probably feel a slight burning (heat from the skin) or tingling when your skin begins to chafe. If you ignore it and keep doing the activity that is causing it, the redness will worsen.

Sweat exacerbates chafe because it has salt in it. Ever hear the expression about ‘rubbing salt in a wound’? That’s literally what happens when sweat is combined with chafing. The microscopic salt crystals can form tiny tears in your skin, further exacerbating the irritation. You may see a little blood on the surface of your skin and notice that the skin feels rough to the touch.

The sweat connection is partly why chafing happens more in hot weather (it's also because we're more likely to have bare legs in warmer temperatures). Depending on your hair removal method (and hair growth), stubble can further irritate changed skin and compound the problem.

If you keep going still, those tiny wounds can expand and you might see some tears and inflammation. Your skin can start to look truly “angry”. Red, swollen, rashy and broken. The texture might be bumpy and later it might feel dry and rough to touch.

Later that day, the skin may feel burnt, hot to the touch, sensitive to soap and water. It can make falling asleep difficult as it can be hard to find a position where the skin can cool and relax. Because we tend to move a lot, it can be challenging to give the skin an opportunity to heal. 

Does Inner Thigh Chafing Happen to Everyone?

Thigh chafing can happen to anybody. There are no body types or shapes that can guarantee you against it. It can happen more often to people whose thighs come in more contact, or when that contact happens across a greater surface area. But thigh chafing is not indicative of a need to lose weight, for example.

Remember too that we all have different levels of skin sensitivity and we all sweat varying amounts. Given the number of variables, it’s impossible to reduce chafing to certain physical factors that make one person more prone to chafing than another.

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. The benefit we all reap is that there’s much more conversation now about thigh chafing  (and therefore more products offering relief from it). Let’s dig into some of those products...

How Do You Prevent Chafing of the Inner Thighs?

Thigh chafing has gone from something rarely spoken of to a whole sub-category of products on websites, which is great in terms of options for those who experience it. Let’s break down the kinds of products you can try to treat and prevent chafing...

Try Anti Chafing Underwear

Anti-chafe underwear (usually they look like shorts) reduce friction by putting a physical barrier between your legs so your skin does not come into contact. The material is usually light, seam-free and body hugging (though not tight) so there’s no loose fabric and the thighs can glide past each other.

In addition to a physical barrier, underwear like Thigh Savers (or Leakproof Thigh Savers) also offer moisture-wicking and odor control benefits. So not only do they protect your inner thigh skin, but they help you stay cool. 

Plus! Additional benefits include:

• More modesty coverage under summer dresses on windy days
• A protective barrier between your bare legs and sticky car seats, questionable transit or benches etc.

Try Topical Products Like Powders and Balms

Anti chafing products include anti-perspirant and some are more balm-like. Often packaged like deodorant sticks, chafing creams and balms are designed to create a barrier that sits on the skin of the inner thighs and helps the thighs “glide” past each other so they don’t rub and create chafing.

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 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 that you might see include aloe and lavender, which can cool, soothe and have 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)

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 skins. 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 off-set seams or seamless clothing and underwear!

You can also opt to wear light, loose breathable fabrics to minimize sweating. But on the other end of the spectrum tight, moisture-wicking fabrics will also work to create a physical barrier. You might have to experiment to see what clothes work for you and which don’t (but of course that’s why you can also try anti-chafing underwear and then wear what you want!)

How Do You Treat Thigh Chafing?

If you’re reading this too late to prevent chafed skin and already have some chafing you’re looking for relief from, here’s what to do about it:

Do Not Further Irritate the Skin 

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. Do not rub roughly or further aggravate the skin.

Protect Your Thighs from Further Irritation

If you can, take a break and reduce friction-inducing between your thighs. Or at least swap into clothing that creates a physical barrier between your thighs. As well as preventing skin chafing,  anti-chafing shorts can protect chafed skin from further friction. On your period or experience light bladder leaks - check out leakproof anti-chafing shorts.

It’s not uncommon for sores to become more irritating at night when your body is trying to relax. Try swapping your nightdress for PJs or soft, cotton leggings so your thighs aren’t in contact while you’re trying to doze off.

Moisturize to Soothe the Irritated Skin

To soothe the chafed area and help it heal, try applying a light layer (don’t slather it on) of petroleum jelly, like trusty old Vaseline. Some people also have success with baby’s diaper rash creams which contain zinc oxide. Stay away from anything with fruit acids or strong scent though as that will likely further irritate your already irritated skin.

Do You Need to See a Doctor?

While painful, skin chafing is generally nothing to worry about. Usually, the skin will quickly heal itself if it is left alone. 

However, there is always a risk of a skin infection when the 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 extremely hot or swollen
• Redness spreads beyond the point of chafing

But for the most part, skin chafing should subside and then you can take the measures above to prevent it in the future.

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.