Preventing Uncomfortable Chafing

Preventing Uncomfortable Chafing While Camping/Hiking

By Jalapeno Gal77 -via APN

For those of us with thicker thighs, one thing we DON’T want to experience is chafing, especially if we are running or hiking with a group or family.  Men and women both experience this and after much embarrassment about this issue, I decided it was time to swallow my pride and start asking around about ways I can prevent the painful effects of chafing.  One obvious way to prevent it is to lose weight so your thighs don’t rub together. But let’s face it….we have to actually move to lose weight and even thinner people who sweat still chafe.  People carry their weight differently so even though one might be generally thin, their thighs might still touch, especially if they have muscular legs.



Understanding Chafing: Chaffing occurs when skin rubs against skin or fabric.  It can occur anywhere on your body, but the primary areas are between the thighs, underarms, groin area and the nipples.

Clothing: Make sure to wear clothes that fit.  You do not want to wear clothes that are too loose.  Aim for moisture wicking clothes such as synthetics that won’t trap moisture.  The key to prevent chaffing is to keep the area dry or to prevent the skin isn’t rubbing.   Also, look for clothing with smooth seams versus large bulky seams.

• Nylon
• Lycra
• Spandex (Be careful with this one ladies, we need some air down there for reasons I do not need to name.)
• Polyester
• Polypropylene
• Compression shorts
• Under Armour Underwear (For men)
• Thigh Society Shorts (For women, these have all good reviews but a little pricy.)
• Jockey Skimmies (My female friends swear by these and they are affordable.)

Anti-Chafing Products That Work:

• Dove Deodorant- Swipe on before you exercise or walk and it last all day.
• Band-Aide Friction Block Stick
• Body glide:  Many people swear by this product.
• Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel:  It comes out of the tube like a gel but applies like a powder and is not greasy.
• Petroleum Jelly or Vaseline:  Products should always be silicone based and not water based.
• Blue Steel Sport Anti-Chaffing Cream
• Gold bond:  Men seem to like this product according to my Face Book survey.
• Anti Monkey Butt Powder:  This is another solution offered to me through my Face Book Male Friends.

After Care If You Forget Your Prevention Product:  Sometimes chaffing is just unavoidable due to unforeseen circumstance such as your car breaking down and you end up walking a few miles.  (Bet you wish you had your 72 hour BOB in your car at that point eh?)  So if this happens here are some care tips you should keep in mind until your back to your normal self.

• Clean the affected area gently and pat dry.
• Apply diaper cream to the area. Yes, it seems weird, I know, but trust me….you will feel much better in the morning.
• Ice the area for relief of hot spots.
• Use a pain reliever with an anti inflammatory in it such as Advil.
• Remember to always allow chaffed areas to heal before resuming your exercise regime.  Continuing to allow the affected area to rub could cause further irritation and possibly infection at which point you should visit a doctor to be safe.

In closing, taking care of yourself is important and prevention can mean the difference between a few days of pain, or a few more days of hiking.  Adding some sort of Anti Chafing Products or clothing to your BOB is a wonderful idea if you have these issues.  I hope that you find a product that you like and is effective while you exercise, hike or go on a long camping trip.  Please feel free to add your thoughts and experiences to the comments section below, they are always appreciated.

Keepin It Spicy,
Jalapeño Gal