How to Avoid Chafing While Hiking

At some point or another, many hikers are hit with a case of chafing on their inner thighs. This is a common occurrence resulting from your skin's repeated rubbing against clothing or, sometimes, other skin. This can be a painful skin development that can cause bleeding and make walking anywhere sharply painful. You should be aware of when your skin starts to get sore and take preventative measures, particularly if you have sensitive skin.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Lotion Rubbing alcohol Cotton swabs Duct tape (optional)
Lotion
Rubbing alcohol
Cotton swabs
Duct tape (optional)

Step 1

Wear soft fabrics that will minimize the friction on your legs.

Step 2

Apply rubbing alcohol to your skin with cotton swabs. This will keep the skin sanitary and free of contaminants that might agitate the skin.

Step 3

Apply lotion at night to help your skin heal. During the day, use liberal amounts of baby powder to keep the skin dry.

Step 4

Consider wearing compression shorts made of nylon. This added layer will save your skin from the friction of your other clothing.

Tips & Warnings

If you are in a pinch, applying duct tape to your skin can work. It will irritate your skin, but the damage will be much less than if you let the chafing continue.

Article Written By Jonathan Croswell

Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the "Omaha World-Herald" and "New York Newsday." Croswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing a Master's of Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University.

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