DryGuys 101: How to Get Rid of Chafing

We’ve all been there—suffering from a chafing rash but trying to fake a smile and enjoy the day anyway. It can be brutal. The first step in understanding how to get rid of chafing is knowing what causes it. First, a chafing rash can be caused by a number of factors including being overweight, wearing improper clothing, sweating, and engaging in heavy activity. Simply put, chafe is just an irritation on the body caused by repeated rubbing—and it’s horrible. If you’ve ever experienced chafe, it likely affected your inner thighs, making it extremely uncomfortable to walk which is all the more reason why you want it gone fast. Start taking preventative measures to fight off chafe before it happens, and learn how to get rid of chafing if it does. 

How to Prevent a Chafing Rash 

If you’re enjoying an active day at the beach under the scorching sun and chafe starts creeping up on you, it’s already too late. The best way to get rid of thigh chafing, or any chafing for that matter, is to prevent it from happening in the first place. According to WebMD, there are a number of things you can do to halt a chafing rash in its tracks: 

Dress Right. 

This is key. When you’re on the go and staying active, you must wear moisture-wicking, proper-fitting clothes that don’t irritate your skin. For example, if you’re on a long bike ride or run, consider wearing a pair of compression shorts that reduces friction. Or, if you’re going to be at the beach all day, try a pair of chafe-free trunks that feature an innovative, sewn-in liner.

Stay Dry.

Did you know that moisture on the skin can actually make a chafing rash worse? Healthline suggests applying a powder or antiperspirant to commonly affected areas before you embark on your chafe-causing adventure. And if you’re able, change out of your wet or sweaty clothes quickly after an activity ends. By wicking away moisture, you’re also going to reduce your risk of chafing.

Apply Lubricants. 

If you’re wondering how to get rid of chafing before it even begins, webMD and Medical News Today both suggest using lubricants like petroleum jelly, oil, or lotion in areas where skin usually rubs together. This will help reduce friction and allow you to move more freely. 

How to Treat a Chafing Rash 

Sometimes you just want relief fast, and you may be asking yourself “how can I heal chafing overnight?” Unfortunately, the answer isn’t that simple. According to Verywell Health, it can take one to two days to heal or clear up with proper care. However, there is some good news—when you want to know how to get rid of chafing, follow a few of these remedies: 

• Gently cleanse the affected area with soap and water, then pat dry. 
• Apply some aloe vera to relieve pain and cool the skin. 
• Use more powder or petroleum jelly to reduce friction when you know you’re going to be exposing the area to further irritation.
• Wear protective, moisture-wicking clothing that keeps the chafing rash safe while it heals.

So, the next time you want to know how to get rid of chafing, just repeat after us: “Prevent and protect at all costs.” Stopping a chafing rash before it gets out of hand is easier than treating it anyway. Simply abide by these three principles: dress right, stay dry, and apply lubricants. Interested in learning more of the DryGuys’ tricks of the travel trade? Read our 2021 Travel Guide, or learn how you can test run your chafe-free trunks long before summer is in full-swing!