How to Stop Thigh Chafing While Running

Chafing occurs when something such as skin or clothing rubs against the body and irritates it. Runners often have chafing on the armpits, groin area or inner thighs, since those are common sites of friction when running. Chafing can be painful and cause open wounds if left untreated, but there are some things you can do to prevent chafing on the inner thighs and other areas of the body.

Take some steps to prevent chafing before your run. (Image: John Howard/Digital Vision/Getty Images)

Clothing

Wear proper running clothing to eliminate friction on your inner thighs, suggests Medline Plus. Select snug-fitting clothing that allows good movement and works to absorb extra moisture, while still allowing your skin to breath. They should be made with types of materials such as Lycra, Spandex and polyester. Buy some compression shorts, which can be worn under your running shorts. Compression shorts also absorb friction well.

Powder

Try using some things you probably already have in your cabinets at home to prevent chafing. Apply regular baby powder, potato starch or cornstarch onto your inner thighs before starting your run. Each of these common household items work well to prevent chafing in areas that are prone to irritation and they can also be used to sooth the discomfort of chafed areas.

Hydration

Keep yourself hydrated throughout your run to promote sweat production. Drink plenty of liquids before you take off, bring along a water bottle to hydrate during the run and drink lots of water when you've completed your run. When your body stops producing sweat, the drying salt crystals can cause your skin to chafe even more, according to Go Ask Alice at Columbia Health.

Body Lubricants

Apply to your thighs one of the many types of lubricants that are available for runners, whether it be plain petroleum jelly, which you might already have in your bathroom, or another anti-chafing lubricant, both of which usually go on smoothly, stay on the skin during a run and can prevent friction on your thighs. You could also make your own lubricant by mixing one cup of petroleum jelly and one cup of A & D ointment with 1/4 cup aloe vera cream and 1/4 cup vitamin E cream, suggests The Walking Site.