How to Stop Thigh Chafing

African American health and wellness blogger

When I became pregnant, my small petite body transformed in ways I never imagined. Before having children, I weighed about 115 pounds. I exercised regularly for years, but as my body grew to carry my twins, I started to experience thigh chafing. Too much information, I know, but when we share our truths we help others, right?

What is Thigh Chafing?

Thigh chafing, is an unpleasant feeling when the skin becomes dry and irritated. Itching and sore spots are common sensations of chafing and can be difficult to deal with. Although a dermatologist can help with thigh chafing, you may not have the spare money for a visit. Thankfully, in these cases, there are several methods you could try to treat the chafing without a dermatologist’s assistance.

A Cold Shower May Help Stop Thigh Chafing

The first method for thigh chafing is a cold shower. First off, the cold cleans up the skin to prevent it from becoming dry. Hot weather can dry skin, especially down where the skin is heavily covered. Now, you don’t necessarily need to put ice in your cold water, but the colder you can get the water, the better.

Don’t Wear Garments That Restrict Movement

The second method again relates to the weather. This method is more so to prevent rather than stop thigh chafing before it starts, but it could be helpful in reducing itchiness. It is to simply wear looser underwear. The reason for this is because tighter underwear can be the cause of chafing, specifically during the summer season. With looser underwear, you can get more air flow which can prevent or reduce chafing symptoms.

Wash Regularly

A third method is to keep clean habits and cut unclean habits. On the Cleverly Changing website, there is a post that delves into these clean habit routines. To make things clear, the article is targeted for women specifically. However, the methods I am describing in this article will work for both men and women.

Oatmeal Baths Help Sooth Chafing

A fourth method is to try oatmeal baths or the use of sensitive skin soaps. To talk a bit more about the latter, some soaps have ingredients that are taxing on the skin. Namely, something in the mixture might be too irritating. Some examples of good soap for sensitive skin include baby soap, as they have a very gentle composition of ingredients. As for the oatmeal baths I mentioned earlier, they are very beneficial due to their soothing properties on the skin. Unlike most soaps, oatmeal has a relaxing quality without the additives normal soaps may have.

Use Mild Laundry Detergents

The fifth method relates closely to the fourth. For this, you need to keep watch on the detergent soap you use for laundry. The detergent you use actually can, and will, irritate skin. As the fourth method, the best workaround is to use sensitive skin detergent on your laundry or make sure the detergent you use is washed off completely. Sometimes excess detergent may not clean off during washing and cause chafing if the piece of clothing is worn before it is properly cleaned.

Reduce Your Stress

The sixth and final method I will share is this: don’t worry. Worrying can actually tense up the body and make the symptoms of chafing worse. If you can, try to relax and you will help stop thigh chafing quicker.

On WebMD–a great reference website for all kinds of medical conditions–there are additional tips you can follow in regards to learning how to stop thigh chafing. Skin chafing of any kind is relatively common and as such there are plenty of resources you can turn to if you are looking for a DIY solution. If a chafe is particularly bad, you may have no choice but to resort to a dermatologist for help. If you notice a chafe spreading, I would strongly recommend you visit a dermatologist at once!

Keep in mind that it takes time to stop thigh chafing, so don’t expect to treat it overnight or just after one attempt. It may take a few days or a few weeks, but over time the repeated treatment will clear the chafing. Until then, I would give one final piece of advice. Take it easy during the summer season. The heat will only make the chafing worse and undo any progress you are trying to make. If you are athletically active, try to do some light activities during the winter season, specifically during the days when it is not too cold. The cool air will keep the skin moist and prevent sweating, which also dries the skin. I would also be cautious of bike activities, as long periods of seating may agitate chafing. Instead, you could try casual walking exercises or light boxing exercises. Any activity that keeps you on your feet without heavily pushing your body will be preferred.

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