What Causes Chafing and What You Can Do To Prevent It

Okay, I’ll admit it. Talking about chafing is as uncomfortable as it feels. But, we all, yes ALL, experience it. All ages, all sizes, all genders, all makes, all models … everyone. So let’s put aside the feeling like we’re in this all alone, calm the blush of our rosy cheeks and get to the, ahem, bottom of the whys and whats you can do when it’s all about the chafe.

First of all, why man, why? Well, let’s head back to science class where we learned about friction. In case it’s been a while, it merely means the act of two objects rubbing against one another. And when this happens repetitively where skin is involved, it can cause redness, soreness, and irritation. Though it’s most commonly known as chafing, you may have heard it called chub rub or frictional dermatitis, and it’s no wonder that its synonyms include words like abrasive, aggravating, exasperating, maddening, pesky, and vexing. 

Most commonly, chafing happens when you’re stepping up your exercise. You’re finding yourself staying out longer, pushing yourself a little harder, and stretching your goals a little further. And though those are all things for which to be proud, it may give you a little souvenir from your hard work and dedication that wasn’t in your plans. 

Where does chafing occur? Well, many times you’ll experience it in places where the “sun don’t shine” like the inner thighs, underarms, groin, or bra area, but it can also show up between fingers and toes, wrists, or your neck. 

How to prevent chafing

So, what can you do about chafing? Well, thankfully there are some preventative measures and some treatments that will help soothe your sensitive skin. 

• The right clothing is key! Moisture is not our friend. While being well hydrated is important, consider the type of clothing you are wearing while exercising. Swap cotton for breathable, synthetic fabrics that will whisk away the moisture, helping keep your skin dry. Keep this in mind for all of your layers, not just tops and bottoms, but also invest in a good sports bra and underwear that keeps the wetness away. Athletic leggings and compression shorts, like the ones cyclists wear, are a great option for keeping your thighs from rubbing together. You can even find shorts or skirts with a layer of compression shorts underneath if you’d like a little more coverage. Underwear counts, too, so avoid cotton or consider going commando. 
  
• Consider a lubricant. You can try things like petroleum jelly or lotion to create a barrier between your clothing and skin allowing less rubbing and more smooth gliding. There are several great products on the market designed especially to help prevent chafing like Body Glide,  and Skin Slick. Apply it to any part of your body where you tend to experience chafing to keep the moisture at bay.
  
• Add a second skin. Use soft bandages or moleskin on areas that tend to suffer from chafing to create a protective second layer.
  
• Don’t linger in your laundry. If your clothes are wet from water or perspiration, change as quickly as possible to keep skin irritations at a minimum. 

What to do if you experience chafing

Lastly, what is the trick to recover from the tenderness caused by chafing? Most importantly, keep the area dry with gentle patting rather than rubbing. After all, rubbing and moisture is what got you into this problem to begin with. When bathing, keep the water at a mild temperature so as not to irritate the sensitive skin, and if there’s any pain, use an ice pack for a short time to get some relief. Just make sure to pat dry any moisture that might remain. And … now just take us at our word here … consider a high-quality diaper rash ointment like Dr. Smith’s Diaper Rash Ointment (rumor has it that ultra-marathoners swear by the stuff and we’ve tested it ourselves) to help your skin recover, ‘cause hey, if it is gentle enough for a baby’s bottom … well…

So the next time that angry red monster threatens to get “under your skin,” find some relief in knowing all about the chafe, and all its trouble, and exactly what to do about it.