7 Ways to Treat Sore Thighs, According to Dermatologists
Warm summer months come with many positive experiences: taking a dip in the pool or beach, grilling outdoors with friends and family, and getting some much-needed Vitamin D (with sunscreen, of course!). While warm weather has many benefits, it’s not all sunshine for your thighs, as one dreaded side effect of rising temperatures and humidity is chafing.
Many, if not most, people experience chafing when walking or running. When skin touches, friction and irritation can occur. Certain factors, such as heat and humidity, can increase friction and worsen the irritation known as chafing. To learn how to best protect the skin on your inner thighs, we consulted three skin experts: board-certified dermatologists Drs. Marissa Garcik, Dr. Anna Guancher, and Dr. Rebecca Marcus. Read on to learn her seven tips for avoiding sore thighs.
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Chafing/Chafing Pins
Dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Marcus explains that chafing occurs when friction breaks down the skin barrier on your thighs. “Chafing can be caused by clothing rubbing against skin, thighs rubbing against each other, or sports like biking that involve repetitive and sustained movement of the thighs,” she says. One of the most commonly used anti-chafing products is a friction stick or scrub stick. These are usually lubricants that reduce friction between skin.
Marcus recommends the Nakery Beauty Glide & Go Magic Friction Stick to prevent chafing while treating minor irritations. “The Glide & Go Magic Friction Stick consists of a balm with an easily absorbed, silky, powdery finish that glides gently over the skin instead of rubbing. Skin-loving ingredients like aloe vera, squalene, and jojoba wax soothe and heal the skin to prevent further chafing,” explains Marcus.
Dermatologists also recommend Megababe Thigh Rescue by Marisa Garshick, who says the product’s formula is easy to use, easy to apply, and contains aloe vera and vitamin E to soothe skin. Garshick also recommends the Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick as a great option that’s non-greasy and fragrance-free.
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Barrier Cream
Garshick says if you’re looking for something to prevent chafing, look for something that creates a barrier between skin and tight clothing. So, it may be helpful to apply a barrier cream to minimize potential friction. Garshick recommends Body Glide Anti-Chafe Balm, a fragrance-free balm that creates an invisible dry barrier to protect the skin and can be applied to areas prone to chafing, such as the thighs, groin, neck, arms, feet, and chest.
Dermatologist Dr. Annaguanche focuses on moisture when fighting thigh chafing. “One of the best ways to prevent thigh chafing is to keep the area dry,” she explains. Guanche says you can use baby powder, but her top recommendation is MAELYS B-FOXY Inner Thigh Firming Cream. “The product feels powdery and matte due to the presence of tapioca starch, prevents chafing, and is proven to tighten the skin,” Guanche explains.
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Chafing shorts or shapewear
Anti-chafing shorts have become a popular solution for lingerie and skirts. These are usually tight shorts made of materials like bamboo or spandex (to prevent wrinkling or curling).
Moisture-wicking materials are best for keeping the area dry, explains Guan. “Sweat or moisture can cause the area to stick together, which can increase friction,” she says. You don’t need to buy a specialized brand of anti-chafing shorts, either. Some types of shapewear can also prevent chafing if they have fabric that covers the thighs, says Garshik.
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Thigh bands or body tape
If your outfit doesn’t allow you to wear shorts or you want a physical barrier, consider using thigh bands or body tape. If you’re not ready to buy thigh tape, you can use body tape (also called chest tape) that you already have on hand to achieve a similar effect. Use the tape to cover the area of the thigh where the chafing occurs. Be sure to remove the tape carefully to avoid irritation. It’s also not a good idea to apply tape to inflamed or broken skin, so if chafing has already occurred, consider other solutions.
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Zinc-based creams
Diaper rash is not unlike chafing: Both are caused by moisture and friction. For this reason, Garshick recommends using a zinc-based diaper rash cream to prevent and treat thigh chafing. “While this zinc-containing cream is more commonly used to treat diaper rash, it can also be used as a barrier cream to help prevent chafing,” Garshick explains.
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Deodorant
Gashick recommends using a deodorant to treat chafing, especially if sweating is making your problem worse. “If excessive sweating is an issue, using a mild deodorant or antiperspirant may also help. It reduces the overall moisture and odor that comes with sweat accumulation,” Garshick explains.
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Thick moisturizing ointment
If you already have chafing on your inner thighs, you need to be careful about what you apply to the irritated skin barrier. In these cases, Garshick recommends applying a thick moisturizing ointment, such as Vaseline Healing Jelly or Aquaphor Healing Ointment, to the area where chafing may occur to prevent and treat chafing, as they create an occlusive barrier that protects the skin while allowing it to heal. However, Garshick warns that if irritation persists or worsens, it’s best to see a dermatologist, as a topical steroid cream may help, depending on the extent of the irritation.
Conclusion
Thigh chafing is caused by constant skin-to-skin contact and friction on the inner thighs, and is often worsened in the summer or during exercise due to sweating from heat and humidity. Chafing can cause severe irritation, redness, and even skin blisters, so our experts agree that it’s important to take action at the first sign of pain or redness.Marcus recommends proactively using anti-chafing products rather than waiting for irritation to occur, so you can have comfortable thighs this summer (and beyond).
