Chafing — skin irritation caused by repeated friction — is remarkably common but significantly under-discussed. It affects people of all body types and fitness levels, particularly during warmer months when sweat and humidity increase friction between skin surfaces or between skin and clothing. Pharmacists are well placed to offer discreet, practical advice on prevention and treatment, turning an uncomfortable problem into a straightforward one.
What Causes Chafing
Chafing occurs when repetitive friction damages the outer layer of skin (stratum corneum), creating a raw, irritated area that can progress to painful skin breakdown. Three factors combine to cause chafing:
- Friction — skin rubbing against skin or against clothing/equipment
- Moisture — sweat, rain or water activities soften the skin and increase friction coefficient
- Duration — the longer the friction continues, the worse the damage
Common chafing sites
| Area | Typical cause |
|---|---|
| Inner thighs | Walking, running, cycling in warm weather |
| Under breasts (inframammary fold) | Bra friction, sweat accumulation |
| Nipples | Running (especially in men — "runner's nipple") |
| Groin/bikini line | Tight clothing, exercise |
| Armpits | Arm movement during running or walking |
| Feet | See separate blister guide |
| Under stomach fold | Skin-on-skin contact in larger individuals |
Pharmacy Treatment
Acute chafing (raw, red, stinging skin)
- Gently clean the area with lukewarm water — avoid soap on broken skin, which will sting. A soap-free wash (Dermol, QV Wash) is gentler
- Pat dry thoroughly — do not rub
- Apply a barrier product:
- Sudocrem — zinc oxide barrier cream, antiseptic, widely available and effective
- Metanium — high-concentration zinc oxide, originally for nappy rash but excellent for adult chafing
- Bepanthen — dexpanthenol (provitamin B5) promotes healing and provides a barrier layer
- Hydrocortisone 1% cream — if there is significant inflammation, apply for up to 7 days
- Keep the area dry and separated — loose clothing, cotton underwear, no tight-fitting garments until healed
- Allow air exposure where practical — this accelerates healing
Important: Chafing vs fungal infection
Chronic chafing in warm, moist body folds (groin, under breasts, skin folds) can be confused with — or complicated by — fungal infection (intertrigo). If the patient reports:
- Persistent redness that does not resolve with barrier cream
- Satellite lesions (small red spots surrounding the main rash)
- White, macerated skin in the fold
- Itching rather than stinging
Consider recommending an antifungal cream (clotrimazole 1%) in addition to barrier measures, or refer for assessment if uncertain. An existing article on intertrigo covers this in more detail.
Prevention: The Most Important Pharmacy Advice
Prevention is far more effective than treatment for chafing, and pharmacists can recommend several product categories:
Anti-chafe balms and sticks
These are the most popular dedicated anti-chafe products:
- Body Glide — wax-based stick, widely used by runners and cyclists. Creates a dry, invisible barrier that lasts several hours
- Vaseline (petroleum jelly) — the original and cheapest option. Effective but can stain clothing and feels greasy
- Lanacane Anti-Chafing Gel — silicone-based gel, dries to a smooth finish, does not stain
- Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel — dimethicone-based, popular despite being marketed for a different purpose
Moisture management
- Talcum-free body powder — absorbs sweat without the respiratory concerns associated with talc. Brands include Gold Bond and some own-label pharmacy options
- Moisture-wicking underwear — advise synthetic performance fabrics rather than cotton for exercise. Cotton holds moisture; synthetic fabrics transport it away from the skin
- Compression shorts or cycling shorts — worn under clothing, these eliminate skin-on-skin thigh friction entirely. This is the single most effective intervention for inner-thigh chafing
Nipple chafing (runners)
- NipGuards or surgical tape (e.g. Micropore) — applied over nipples before running, these prevent the repeated fabric friction that causes runner's nipple
- Technical running tops with flat seams also reduce the risk
Bra chafing
- Ensure correct bra fit — an ill-fitting underwire is a common cause of inframammary chafing
- Apply anti-chafe balm to bra contact points before exercise
- Sports bras with moisture-wicking fabric and flat seams for exercise
Lifestyle Advice
- Stay hydrated — adequate hydration dilutes sweat, making it less irritating to skin
- Shower promptly after exercise — dried sweat contains salt crystals that abrade skin
- Lose weight gradually if appropriate — excess skin folds increase friction surfaces (advise sensitively)
- Change out of wet clothes promptly — wet swimwear, gym clothes or damp undergarments dramatically increase friction
When to Refer
Most chafing is self-limiting and responds to the measures above. Refer to a GP if:
- The chafed area shows signs of secondary bacterial infection (spreading redness, warmth, pus, fever)
- Chronic, non-healing chafing in a skin fold that may be fungal infection or psoriasis
- Chafing in a diabetic patient that is slow to heal
- Recurrent chafing in the same area despite preventive measures — may warrant dermatological assessment for an underlying skin condition
For more information on pharmacy services and health advice, visit PharmSee's pharmacy finder or explore pharmacy job opportunities.
Sources: NHS England, British Association of Dermatologists, British Journal of Sports Medicine, British National Formulary.