Our fave anti-chafing solutions to help you survive the summer (2024)

FAQs

How to prevent chafing in the summer? ›

Skin chafing should be treated, so don't ignore it. Gently clean the chafed area with water and dry it thoroughly. After cleaning the area, apply a substance like petroleum jelly. If the area is very painful, swollen, bleeding, or crusted, your health care provider may recommend a medicated ointment.

Skin Elements Anti-Chafing Cream is a holistic solution to reduce friction and prevent blisters. It is easy to use and provides complete protection against skin-to-skin or skin-to-clothing friction. It is also useful for foot and new cloth sores.

Chafing is skin irritation that occurs where skin rubs against skin, clothing, or other material. Chafing of the skin refers to red sore skin that has been irritated by something continuously rubbing against it. Wear appropriate clean clothes for activities like sports or exercise to avoid chafing.

You'll want to choose garments that have smooth seams and fit properly so as not to rub against your body. A snug fit is ideal, especially for inner-thigh chafing. You'll also want to choose fabrics that have moisture-wicking properties. Avoid cotton, which absorbs moisture and makes chafing worse.

Home remedies may help prevent chafing or provide relief from discomfort. Examples include petroleum jelly, coconut oil, and cornstarch. Doctors often refer to chafing as intertrigo. It typically occurs due to friction in body folds, such as the groin, buttocks, or underarm, due to constant or repetitive movements.

Immediately stop any activity that begins to rub and irritate your skin. If your clothes are rubbing your skin in an uncomfortable way, change into something that's more comfortable. If you notice chafing beginning, gently pat the skin dry, and apply petroleum jelly to the affected area.

One useful trick is to keep a small tub of baby powder in your bag so you can sprinkle some on to absorb excess moisture when you're out. Lubricate Your Skin – A bit of lubrication will help your thighs glide past each other, rather than pulling or rubbing the skin.

What is a good alternative to anti chafing sticks? ›

Apply some aloe vera gel to reduce pain and the chance of infection. Then, smooth on some petroleum jelly; this will soothe irritation and prevent further chafing. If the affected skin is in a moisture-prone area, consider sprinkling some cornstarch to absorb any excess.

Treat chafed skin twice a day with a zinc oxide ointment (often used in diaper rash products) or a balm, such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment or Eucerin Original Healing Cream to soothe the abrasion and restore damaged skin.

If the area becomes increasingly red and more inflamed, a patch of intertrigo may be infected. You may also experience oozing, cracks, maceration (when skin looks soft and soggy), or crusting. 12 If the irritation is between folds of skin, a foul odor may develop when the area becomes infected.

Cover broken skin with a thin layer of a topical steroid then a thick layer of a cream or ointment. Then, put a wet bandage over the ointment and cover that with a dry bandage. The bandage will help your skin absorb the cream and stay moist. Ask your doctor to show you how to wrap your skin.

Your trusted deodorant stick can also help to avert that dreaded thigh rub burn! Simply apply a layer of your favorite deodorant in the areas where your thighs have rubbed together in the past, causing you irritation after a long day of activity in the summer sun.

Moisturise: Although chafing is worse in wet conditions, it's dry skin – rather than moisturised skin – that's more prone to rubbing. Using a moisturiser or other lotions such as petroleum jelly or hypoallergenic balm will reduce the effects of friction.