- Chafing can affect various body parts, such as the inner thighs, underarms, and groin area.
- It causes red bumps and may be accompanied by a burning sensation.
- Treatments for chafing include wearing loose-fitting and moisture-wicking clothing, and using anti-chafing creams and sticks.
As the warm weather arrives, it's common for your thoughts to turn to new swimsuits, shorts, and breezy dresses. But for some of us, it only means one thing: body chafing. If you're someone who experiences it, you're highly familiar with how annoying and uncomfortable it can be. Whether you deal with inner thigh chafing, underarm irritation, or discomfort in the groin area, chafing can impact multiple parts of your body.
Chafing can result in raised, red bumps on the skin and a burning sensation. But what exactly is it? According to Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, chafing is a skin condition that occurs when there is repeated skin-to-skin contact or when the skin rubs against clothing or other materials. The friction from this repetitive contact causes chafing, which can become more aggravated by sweat and moisture.
Per the expert, the most immediate way to treat thigh chafing is to stop using what's causing the condition, or else your symptoms will likely continue to get worse. To prevent it altogether, she recommends wearing loose-fitting clothing and notes that moisture-wicking cotton is the best fabric to wear. She also recommends anti-chafing creams and sticks, which she advises using directly on areas of your body prone to chafing.
Ahead, we've rounded up 10 highly-rated anti-chafe products shoppers and editors alike love, including everything from chafing powder and sticks to anti-chafe cream and even clothing items. Click ahead to see our picks, and get ready to embrace skirt and swimsuit season - pain-free.