Thigh Chafing: What to Do About It and How to Prevent Recurrence

Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD

Thigh chafing is one of the most common thigh-related skin problems. It occurs as a result of repeated skin-on-skin contact between your inner thighs. The problem can also happen when your skin rubs against wet or rough clothing.

Thigh chafing can cause symptoms that include redness, pain, and a rash on your inner thighs. Factors such as humidity and workout-related sweat can worsen the problem. However, home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) treatments can help prevent and treat thigh chafing.

This article describes thigh chafing, its causes, treatments, and prevention methods.

What Does Thigh Chafing Look Like?

Thigh chafing typically looks like irritated skin. It often begins with mild symptoms of irritation that can appear as a friction burn.

Mild symptoms of thigh chafing can include the following:

• Redness

• Mild rash

• Flaky, dry skin

• Red, raised, blister-like lesions

• Stinging or burning

• Itching

• Tenderness or pain in the affected areas

• Intense pain with every step when walking or running

Symptoms can worsen if you do not correct the causes of thigh chafing. Severe symptoms of thigh chafing can include the following on your inner thighs:

• Welts on all layers of your skin

• Muscle pain

• Swollen, cracked, or broken skin

• Bleeding

• Blisters and sores that include brown spots

• Secondary skin infections like intertrigo
  

What Causes Thigh Chafing?

Thigh chafing occurs when the skin on one inner thigh rubs against the skin on the opposite one. It can also result when your thigh rubs against rough or wet clothing. This combination of friction and moisture leaves the affected skin irritated, inflamed, and raw.

Common causes of thigh chafing include the following:

• Participating in endurance exercise: The repetitive motions involved in running or biking can lead to friction, while the excessive sweating that typically occurs can worsen the friction.

• Being overweight or obese: Carrying more than an average amount of body weight makes you more likely to develop skin folds that can involve chafing.

• Wearing tight clothing or clothing inappropriate for the activity: Loose or rough clothing can rub against your skin and cause skin chafing.
  

What to Do About Thigh Chafing

Most symptoms of thigh chafing can be improved if you address the source of the problem. This may require taking time off from the activity that caused thigh chafing so you can give your skin time to heal.

The following OTC treatments can often improve symptoms of thigh chafing:

Thigh Bands

Thigh bands are unisex garter-like devices that are about 6 inches long. A silicone grip on the interior of the thigh bands keeps them from slipping.

Thigh bands provide a protective barrier between your thighs as an alternative to anti-chafing shorts. This can reduce the possibility of skin-on-skin friction that causes thigh chafing.

Thigh Chafing Shorts

Thigh chafing shorts prevent skin-to-skin contact between your thighs. They are typically made from moisture-wicking compression materials that cling to your body and hold your skin in place.

Thigh chafing shorts are often available in longer inseams that hit mid-thigh or just above your knees to protect the largest areas at risk of thigh chafing.

Thigh Chafing Cream or Balm

Thigh chafing creams or balms like BodyGlide provide an invisible protective layer to help manage thigh chafing. Look for products with ingredients like polyethylene and waxes, which create a protective film, and zinc oxide and silica, which add a silky, non-sticky feeling.

Baby Powder

Baby powder and other non-perfumed powders can help soothe chafed skin while also controlling the moisture that causes and irritates it. This can help prevent the problem from becoming worse once it exists.

Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly can serve double duty as a treatment and protective layer since it helps heal injured skin and prevents additional chafing.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends using petroleum jelly to treat skin problems ranging from rashes to minor skin wounds as well as a chafing preventive.

Lip Balm

Lip balm can serve as a handy skin protectant when petroleum jelly or other ointments are not practical to apply.

Petroleum-based lip balms are often rich with other emollients like beeswax. Since they are formulated to protect the sensitive skin around your mouth, they can be useful for protecting damaged skin around your thighs.

When to Consult Your Healthcare Provider for Thigh Chafing

Severe cases of thigh chafing can increase your risk of developing an infection in the affected area. Contact your healthcare provider if your chafing rash does not improve with OTC treatments or if you have any of the following symptoms with thigh chafing:

• Fever

• Sudden rapid spread of the rash

• Blistering of the rash

• Open sores at the site of the rash

• Debilitating pain

• Yellow fluid or green fluid

• Swelling

• Crusting

• Warmth in the affected area
  

How to Prevent Chafing

The most effective way to prevent thigh chafing is to address the source of the rubbing that is causing skin irritation. Taking the following steps can help prevent these problems:

Wear proper clothing.

Wear the right type of clothing for the activity you are doing, such as cycling shorts for biking or athletic tights for running. Avoid coarse materials and shorts or leggings with inner-thigh seams.

During sports or other physical activities, choose performance materials like polyester that wick away moisture rather than cotton, which can hold on to sweat and cause irritation.

Avoid wearing soiled or wet clothing.

Ensure that your clothing is clean and dry. Residue from dried sweat, chemicals, dirt, and other debris trapped in the fabric from previous wear can cause irritation when it is pressed against the skin of your thigh.

Select shorts and leggings that fit snugly against your thighs.

Choose a first layer of clothing that is tight against your skin so there's no opportunity for friction to occur. Wear loose workout shorts over form-fitting shorts if you're self-conscious about wearing shorts with a tight fit. Ensure the combination does not induce friction.

Lubricate your thighs before putting on shorts or leggings.

Before putting on compression shorts or close-fitting tights, apply petroleum jelly or another non-chafing lubricant product on the areas of your thighs prone to chafing.

Apply powder to control moisture.

If sweating between your thighs is contributing to thigh chafing, apply talcum powder, cornstarch powder, arrowroot powder, or other non-perfumed powders to your thighs before dressing. The powder will help control the moisture and reduce thigh chafing.

Don't overdo activities that promote thigh chafing.

Avoid overdoing activities that cause chafing unless they are part of your typical exercise, lifestyle, or sports routine. Start new activities slowly with the proper attire to allow your skin time to adjust without causing irritation.

Summary

Thigh chafing is a common problem that can often be managed with simple home remedies. Keep track of the activities that trigger thigh chafing. Follow the advice for protecting your skin from thigh chafing during those times.

Wearing the right clothing and using proper lubrication can help prevent thigh chafing. Treating thigh chafing in its early stages can prevent it from becoming worse and reduce your risk of infection.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.