How To Prevent Chafing On Your Arms, Boobs, And Thighs

During one particularly long, sweaty summer run, I knew my sports bra was rubbing a little too roughly against my skin. But chafing be damned, I finished that run and decided to take care of it later.

By the time I got home, raw skin was literally poking through the hook-and-eye clips that ran up the bra's front.

Clearly, not something I wanted to ever happen again, which is why I chatted with some experts for their insights on what causes chafing, how to prevent it, and what to do if it's too late for any of that.

What the eff is chafing anyway?

By definition, chafing is the process of rubbing skin against skin, or skin against fabric, causing red, irritated, painful skin in particular areas, says Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine. Sweat and moisture (say, from a rainy or ultra-sweaty run) up the likelihood of it happening.

Are some people more prone to chafing?

Anyone can experience chafing, but athletes tend to get it more often thanks to the constant rubbing they might experience while running, biking, or sweating during any bout of exercise, says Dr. Lipner. Of course, the longer your work out, the more likely it is you'll get a patch of irritated skin-as you up your body temp and sweat more, it increases the possibility of excessive rubbing.

As for skin types, people with dry skin are often more likely to get this type of irritation than someone with oily skin. Oil helps lubricate the skin, which promotes gliding rather than rubbing, says Dr. Lipner.

So...how do I avoid it?

No matter where you tend to experience chafing (boobs, thighs, arms, or anywhere else), step one to avoiding it is keeping your skin cool and dry, Dr. Lipner says. Clothes should be form-fitting, so they don't rub against skin," she explains. But they shouldnt be so tight that they start to dig into your skin either. Choosing tops and bottoms made with moisture-wicking materials will help you avoid this, too.

Seamless clothes are also a smart choice. Certified run coach and Mile High Run Club instructor Elizabeth Corkum, a.k.a. Coach Corky, says rough seams can do some damage. Luckily, many activewear brands have seam-free options.

Of course, try to not to add any friction to the same area (a.k.a. don't set out on another long run the day after you open up that rub-fueled wound) so it has time to patch up, Dr. Lipner says. If the chafed skin doesnt heal after a few days, she suggests seeing a doc so they can help you treat it.