Picture this: You're just about to hit your personal best in that race or to complete the final kilometers of that mountain hike you're enjoying with your friends until you're slowed down by bad skin chafing rash.
For many of us, thigh chafing is a common occurrence, but thankfully there are many things we can do to prevent skin irritation and heal chafing in the groin.
Throughout this post, we're going to cover everything you need to know about:
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The causes of skin chafing
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Typical chafed skin symptoms
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How to prevent and treat chafing
Keep reading to learn more about why this painful skin irritation might affect you and how to tackle chafed skin in the future.
What Causes Groin Chafing?
At some point throughout your lifetime, you'll likely experience chafed skin - diaper rash, feet chafing (blisters), nipple chafing, and armpit chafing while exercising. But one of the most common places to experience chafing is in the inner thighs or groin area.
Chafing occurs when the delicate skin between the thighs, butt cheeks, or around the skin folds of the groin rubs together repeatedly or against the fabric of your clothing.
Over time, this excessive skin-to-skin contact produces hot spots, causing your thighs to become sweaty and sticky. This further friction creates a burning sensation as your skin is rubbed raw. Body hair within the groin area can also make chafing worse.
You may also be more likely to develop chafing in the groin if you have a pre-existing skin condition such as scrotal eczema.
Symptoms of Groin Chafing
Skin chafing might look different for each person, but there are some key warning signs to look out for:
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Sensitive skin between the inner thighs or groin
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Raw skin patches that appear red and inflamed
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Itching
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Cracked and broken skin, which may lead to skin infections
How Can You Prevent Chafing?
The good news is there are many quick and easy steps you can take to avoid and prevent groin chafing in your day-to-day.
Give Your Skin A Break
The number one way to prevent chafing is to ensure you're giving your chafe-prone areas a break.
We know that repetitive motions cause chafing, so if you notice any hot spots starting to form, stop the physical activity you're doing and allow your skin to breathe - whether that means taking off your shoes for a moment or switching your tight shorts for a flowy skirt on hot, summer days.
The aim of the game here is to stop skin rubbing in its tracks and to keep your skin barrier cool and dry.
Wear Breathable Clothing
Wearing breathable clothing can help reduce friction and avoid excessive groin sweat.
The Remedywear™ Pants for Adults and kids are a fantastic protective barrier for all forms of physical exercise. They're made with form-fitting, moisture-wicking, and breathable fabric. If you're concerned about the secondary risk of skin infection from butt chaffing, you'll also be relieved to know that these pants are made with TENCEL and anti-inflammatory zinc, offering both antibacterial and anti-microbial properties.
To combat male chafing, give your groin area a break by switching to Remedywear™ Men's Boxer Briefs. Made with hypoallergenic, stretchy fabric, these anti-chafing boxers help to wick moisture away from the skin.
How to Treat Chafing
So what if it's too late to prevent skin chafing because you've already got irritated skin? Please don't fret; we'll take you step-by-step through a few different skin-healing options.
Clean The Affected Area
Step one is to remove any wet clothes immediately and clean the sweat off your body. To do this, take a lukewarm or cold shower, using a fragrance-free, mild soap such as the Coconut and Sunflower Oil Soap Bar to avoid causing further irritation.
Be sure to pat your skin dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing it anymore.
Moisturizing Lotion
Next, you will want to apply a moisturizing lotion to help soothe your chafed area. Some people choose aloe vera gel for its natural cooling properties or petroleum jelly or coconut oil to lubricate the skin and prevent friction.
We recommend the Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream if you're concerned about inflammation, dry skin, or a yeast infection. This unique buttery balm contains 16+ New Zealand Active Manuka honey, which has potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Rub gently onto the bare skin of your inner thigh area to find relief for even the most sensitive skin.
Heal Groin Chafing Today
Follow these tips to prevent and treat your groin chafing today, helping to ensure that painful chafing doesn't have to stop you from enjoying the activities you love.
