- What is thigh chafing?
- What causes thigh chafing?
- How to prevent thigh chafing?
- How to soothe thigh chafing?
What is thigh chafing?
Thigh chafing is when bare skin on the inner thighs rubs together causing friction. This can leave the skin to feel sore with other side effects such as a rash, a burning sensation, blister or sores.
What causes thigh chafing?
While there are a number of reasons for thigh chafing, below are some of the most common.
Exercise
Whether you enjoy bike riding, running or long walks, exercise is a common cause of thigh chafing. This is due to repetitive motion that may cause the skin on the inner thighs to rub together.
Hot weather
Hot weather can really exacerbate thigh chafing as extra heat inflames the skin and makes it more sensitive. Many women also wear bare legs beneath dresses and skirts which also leaves the skin more exposed.
Sitting cross legged
If you sit for long periods of time with your legs crossed, you may find that the skin on your inner thighs becomes irritated. This could be down to the fabric of clothes you’re wearing or the temperature. (Hot climates or environments may make you sweat more and cause irritation).
Body type
Some body types are more prone to thigh chafing. For instance, if you have very muscular thighs, you may find that experience chafing more. This may also be the case if you carry more weight in this area.
Nappies
Babies and toddlers also experience thigh chafing caused by their nappies rubbing on the inner thighs as they crawl or walk. This can also affect adults who need to wear protection for issues such as incontinence.
How to prevent thigh chafing
Once you’ve healed the skin on your inner thighs, you’ll also need to think about how to prevent it happening again. Follow our top tips for breaking the cycle.
Wear the right clothing
Apply protective balms and creams
Keep the skin clean and dry
Avoid exercise that may irritate it while the skin heals
When you experience thigh chafing, it’s advisable to wear loose, breathable clothing in that area that won’t cause extra friction. You can also prevent further chafing by wearing cycling shorts or chafe-preventative shorts underneath summer dresses and skirts. This will stop the skin on the inner thighs from rubbing together while still allowing you to keep cool.
Applying a protective balm or cream to the area where rubbing occurs can also help to prevent thigh chafing. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+, for instance, is a barrier cream that’s clinically proven to soothe irritated and damaged skin and reduce discomfort. It also creates an invisible protective layer on the skin to prevent future irritation.
Moisture such as sweat can make chafing worse so it’s important to keep the skin clean and dry as much as possible. Make sure you shower straight after exercise and change into dry clothes. This will ensure you aren’t spending prolonged periods of time with sweat sitting on the skin.
If you have pre-existing thigh chafing, it’s advisable to take a break from any exercise or activity that may exacerbate current areas of irritation. Keep applying a barrier cream to the area such as La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ in the meantime and allow the skin time to heal.
Discover La Roche-Posay skincare to soothe thigh chafing
You can soothe irritated skin on the inner thighs with the La Roche-Posay skin barrier cream Cicaplast Baume B5+. This helps accelerate the natural skin recovery process whilst respecting the skin microbiome and reduces feelings of discomfort. The balm texture also acts as a barrier cream, leaving an invisible protective layer on the skin.
While thigh chafing can be really uncomfortable and irritating, there are a range of solutions at La Roche-Posay to help. From barrier creams to lotions and gels, there’s a skincare option to help all skin types and conditions.
Thigh Chafing FAQs
Discover the La Roche-Posay skincare range to soothe thigh chafing.
