How to stop thigh chafing under dresses and skirts
How to stop thigh chafing under dresses and skirts: anti-chafe balm, powder, moisture-wicking fabrics and shorts, plus how to soothe skin that is already sore.
Summer dress, a long walk, and by lunch your inner thighs are red and stinging. Thigh chafing is common, and it is very fixable. Here is what dermatologists and doctors suggest, from the simplest fix to the one that takes a little planning.
What causes thigh chafing?
Cleveland Clinic defines chafing as skin irritation from your skin rubbing against something else, and it shows up most where skin meets skin. Friction is always the root cause. Moisture makes it much worse, because sweat helps skin and fabric slip and makes skin easier to damage. Heat and humidity mean more sweat. Body shape and activity level play a part too. Under a dress or skirt, your inner thighs touch with every step, so warm days and long walks are the classic setup.
Signs you are chafing
Mild chafing looks like redness or a rash and can itch, sting, burn or feel tender. Worse chafing can blister, crack or bleed. Cleveland Clinic notes that minor chafing usually clears within a few days once the rubbing stops.
How do I stop my thighs from rubbing together?
You have several good options, and many people combine two.
- Anti-chafe balm or petroleum jelly. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests putting petroleum jelly on problem spots like the thighs to prevent chafing and the blisters it can cause. Cleveland Clinic adds that gels, creams, balms and powders also work. Apply it before you head out.
- Powder. Cleveland Clinic says cornstarch or talcum powder can absorb moisture and reduce friction.
- Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics. Cleveland Clinic suggests moisture-wicking fabric for sweaty days and recommends avoiding cotton, which holds moisture. Watch for rough seams and tags too.
- A layer between your thighs. Cleveland Clinic notes that clothing can act as a barrier against skin-on-skin rubbing, and that closer-fitting clothes are less likely to move and rub. A pair of smooth, close-fitting shorts under a dress does exactly that.
- Stay dry. Change out of sweaty or wet clothes as soon as you can.
Should I wear shorts under my dress?
If balm alone wears off by the afternoon, shorts are worth a try, because they stop skin from touching at all. Look for a pair that lies flat and stays put. Loose shorts that bunch or ride up can rub in a new spot, and Cleveland Clinic warns that tight, restrictive clothing can cause chafing too. Snug but comfortable is the goal.
Our High Waist Shaping Short is one option made for this. It is a seamless nylon and spandex knit with mid-thigh legs and a cotton gusset, it smooths under dresses, and it keeps thighs from rubbing. It is not the only answer. On a very hot day, a short plus a little balm at the hem line is a good combination. It is also part of The Smooth Day Kit if you want a faja for other outfits.
How do I treat chafed thighs?
- Stop the rubbing and change into clean, dry clothes.
- Gently clean the skin with mild soap and warm water, then pat it dry. Do not rub.
- Apply petroleum jelly or an unscented moisturizer. Cleveland Clinic also mentions aloe vera gel to ease irritation.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing while it heals, and cover it with a bandage as a protective barrier.
With care, chafed skin usually heals in a few days to a week.
When should I see a doctor?
Cleveland Clinic says to see a healthcare provider if chafing does not improve after a week, causes severe pain or itching, or shows signs of infection such as pus, a foul smell or warmth. Chafing that is severe or long-lasting is also worth a visit.
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Questions
What causes thigh chafing?
Friction. Cleveland Clinic calls friction the root cause of chafing, and moisture and heat make it worse because sweat helps skin rub and breaks down faster.
Does petroleum jelly help with chafing?
Yes. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests applying petroleum jelly to problem spots like the thighs to help prevent chafing, and Cleveland Clinic lists it as an option too.
Do shorts under a dress stop chafing?
They can. A layer of fabric between your thighs stops skin-on-skin rubbing, and Cleveland Clinic notes that clothing can act as that barrier. Pick a close-fitting pair that will not ride up.
When should I see a doctor for chafing?
Cleveland Clinic says to see a provider if it does not improve after about a week, if pain or itching is severe, or if you see signs of infection such as pus, a bad smell or warmth.
Keep reading
Sources: Cleveland Clinic: chafing causes, treatment and prevention · Cleveland Clinic: tips to prevent chafing · American Academy of Dermatology: ways to use petroleum jelly, including chafing