Chafing is one of the more unpleasant (and embarrassing) parts of summer. When heat, sweat and skin get together, it often results in a painful skin rash in the nether-regions. This is often due to a combination of factors such as irritating
It’s not exactly something you want to chat with your buddies about. But (wink,wink) fortunately, we have you covered. Check out a few of our tricks for eliminating chafing this summer.
1. Wear shorts instead of skirts or dresses
While the cool summer breeze feels great blowing around your legs, skirts and dresses offer no protection from skin-on-skin contact. If can bear to part with your maxi-dresses, a pair of moisture-wicking shorts may be a better option.
2. Like your skirts in summer? Try bike shorts
If you just can’t handle the thought of skipping your favorite skirts, slip on a pair of bike or exercise shorts under your skirt. The shorts are designed to pull moisture away from your skin, and keep your thighs from actually touching. Talk about win-win! (Check out these shorts from Thigh Love which are specifically designed with chafing in mind).
3. Apply diaper rash cream
It’s not the most romantic idea, but parents have used this old reliable to keep their tots comfy for decades. Aim for a diaper cream that contains Zinc Oxide because it’s antibacterial. Apply to affected area as needed.
4. Apply antiperspirant deodorant on your inner thighs
Try swabbing your inner-thighs with antiperspirant. This type of deodorant works by preventing sweat from getting to the surface of your skin. No sweat? No chafing.
5. Coconut oil
This all-natural wonder can be used to keep your skin comfy this summer. In addition to keeping the skin slick (no rubbing), coconut oil also has antibacterial properties which can help prevent bacteria build up from sweat and dirt.
6. Wear Bandelettes to keep your thighs apart
Similar to lace-top thigh-highs, this solution is sexier than bike shorts and diaper cream. Bandelettes slip around your thighs and keep your skin from touching. XO Jane reviewed the product and said that while it felt like they were falling off (they weren’t), they worked.
7. Use a lubricant balm
Yup. You read that right. That same lubricant you use to (ahem) eliminate friction elsewhere, could prevent chafing. The Huffington Post says to lather up the thighs with your lube of choice (baby oil and petroleum jelly work too) to prevent friction. This method is messy. Use if you plan to run long distances or if you need a fix in a pinch.
8. You can use antibiotic ointment on the affected area to help it to heal
When your chafe, your skin rubs together until it’s raw. This breakdown of your skin could allow bacteria and germs to enter your body and take your chafe from painful to burning hell in a snap. To prevent infection, apply your favorite antibacterial ointment each night to speed the healing of the skin and protect against germs.
9. Try Aloe vera
That same goop you apply to your sunburn can be used to ease chaffing pain. Find Home Remedy, suggests mixing Aloe vera juice with 1/4 cup green tea and lavender oil. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, shake well and apply to affected areas for pain relief.
10. Use specific chafing relief ointments
Read and repeat: Bodyglide. This balm comes in a convenient deodorant-type stick, so your hands don’t get messy. Bonus points for not feeling sticky and gross. Plus, it holds up after hours of walking around a crowded theme park, so it’ll do for regular days too. You can usually find this at a local sports shop or on Amazon.
11. Apply baby powder
The Huffington Post recommends dusting a bit of baby powder between the thighs before you head out the door. The powder keeps your skin dry and prevents friction, so you don’t get that painful chafe. The biggest downside: it’s a bit messy and you’ll need to reapply during the day.
12. You can use male groin hygiene lotion
There’s no good way to make this less awkward … so onward we go. You can use the same stuff that guys buy to keep their “manhood” from getting chafed to keep your thighs safe too. This article from Men’s Health offers a few suggestions for specific products.
How do you keep your thighs safe in the summer? Share your favorite remedies in the comments below.
