We’ve all been there – after a long hike, a tough session in the gym or a run, leg chafing can occur – and it’s really uncomfortable! Chafing thighs aren’t nice, and they happen due to the friction created around your inner thigh region. Your thighs might rub together and cause soreness, damaging your skin. You might even suffer lesions, a burning sensation or blistering in the area. But here’s the good news: leg chafing is both preventable and treatable. Here’s what you need to know.
The Symptoms
You might experience redness, blistering, a rash, soreness, itching or a burning type sensation if your legs have been chafing, although inner thigh rashes can have other causes to rule out first. Leg chafing is caused due to sweating and friction during your workout, activities or walking.
How Do I Fix and Prevent It?
First of all, look at prevention – and the key is often to revisit what you’re wearing during your workouts, walks or other activities. Cotton or fabrics that aren’t moisture absorbent can be a culprit for leg chafing woes – they don’t absorb sweat, increasing friction and pressure as you work out. Thinner materials, such as thin leggings or shorts, can be a problem too, as they don’t create a sufficient barrier in between the thighs. So ditch these and consider opting for some specific anti chafing shorts instead. Anti chafing shorts are made with material specifically designed to prevent that sore chafing feeling between your thighs.
Treating Existing Leg Chafing
To treat the chafe, there are a couple of useful household items you might already have at home that can help give you some relief. Petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline or similar, can provide a layer of lubrication and protect your legs from chafing by creating a barrier. It’ll also help soothe any burning sensation and prevent further chafing making you feel more sore. Another great option is baby powder, which can help stop sweat and moisture build-up in the area, keeping it dry and protecting you from chafing.