The Benefits of Using Chafing Cream

Chafing is a skin irritation caused by friction between skin surfaces or between skin and clothing. It is most likely to occur in the skin folds and can be made worse by high moisture levels or elevated temperatures.There also is an increased risk of bacterial growth in the skin folds.

Chafing is most common in areas like the thighs, underarms, and groin and can be anywhere from uncomfortable to painful. Thankfully, there are options for reducing the symptoms and severity of chafing. Here is what you need to know about chafing creams and how they can be a preventative step.

Causes of Chafing

Many conditions could lead to chafing or increase the severity of chafing. The risk of chafing increases in areas where the skin folds or rubs against other skin surfaces and can be worsened by heat and moisture in that area.

Chafing is more common in people who need assistance with dressing and hygiene, such as those in nursing homes or rehab centers. This implies that proper hygiene and additional skincare strategies may help prevent chafing.

This condition is also common among athletes, especially competitive cyclists. Many cyclists develop saddle sores, a similar skin irritation caused by friction, heat, moisture, and bacteria. Despite being common among competitive cyclists, saddle sores can be an ongoing source of pain and illness—especially for female cyclists.

Benefits of Using Chafing Cream

According to Allison Leer, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder at Unity Skincare, “Chafing creams typically feature a combination of emollients, humectants, and occlusives. These ingredients create an environment where the skin can move smoothly while creating a barrier to prevent friction."

Using chafing cream to prevent friction between skin surfaces benefits a large variety of people, including (but not limited to) athletes, hikers, dancers, and people with sensitive skin. Some chafing creams have additional properties, such as preventing moisture accumulation, protecting skin from the sun, soothing inflammation, reducing skin redness, or providing long-lasting waterproof coverage.

Types of Chafing Cream

There are a few different categories of chafing creams based on their primary ingredient. Celebrity esthetician Ian Michael Crumm details the types as follows:

Petroleum-Based Creams

• Pros: This cream provides a protective layer and prevents moisture accumulation.
• Cons: Some forms of petroleum may cause wound redness and swelling. This is also a poor option for people with a petroleum jelly allergy

Silicone-Based Creams

• Pros: Silicone-based creams are water-resistant and provide a long-lasting protective layer.
• Cons: These creams will not rinse off as easily.

Powder-Gel Hybrids

• Pros: Powder-gel hybrids provide a quality protective layer, are absorbent, and prevent moisture accumulation.
• Cons: These creams have a different feel than most creams due to the combination of gel and powder.

Zinc Oxide Creams

• Pros: Zinc oxide creams provide a physical protective layer and offer some sun protection.
• Cons: These creams are a poor option for people with a zinc allergy.

Key Ingredients to Look for

Anytime you are purchasing a cream or gel, no matter its purpose, it is important to scan the ingredients list. Pay particular attention to the active ingredients and try to avoid anything that could cause harm, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies. Here are some ingredients to look for—some of which you should avoid and some that could be beneficial.

Avoid: Talcum Powder

Talcum powder is a mineral powder mainly consisting of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. Being a powder, it is very absorbent and can help reduce moisture buildup.

In its natural form, talc can contain asbestos, which raises some health concerns about the use of talc overall. Asbestos is known for causing cancer in and around the lungs when inhaled. In 1976, a trade association known as the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrances Association (CTFA) announced that all talc used in cosmetic products in the United States should not contain any detectable amounts of asbestos.

Despite these base guidelines, concerns about the use of products with talc remain. It has been suggested that talcum powder may cause ovarian cancer if applied to the genital area. Concerns regarding lung cancer also persist. While these are not proven risks regarding the purified form of talcum powder used in cosmetics, researchers are still conducting studies.

Avoid: Steroids

Steroids are naturally occurring hormones produced and used by the body. They can respond to stress or disease and can increase the efficiency of anti-inflammatory responses. Synthetic or non-natural forms of steroids serve a similar purpose. However, instead of existing in the bloodstream, they are applied topically. Topical steroids can help reduce inflammation associated with skin conditions.

It’s best to use the lowest potency steroid that is still effective for treatment. Using higher potency steroids than necessary can increase the risk of skin thinning, lead to the formation of stretch marks, cause changes in skin pigmentation, increase bruising, and lead to the development of prominent blood vessels. Additionally, you should use less potent steroids around areas with thinner skin, such as the face, armpits, groin, and genital area.

Choose: Shea Butter

Shea butter is traditionally used in Africa for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It also is often used in moisturizing products such as lotion. Studies have found that shea butter is anti-inflammatory when applied to many skin conditions.

Choose: Petroleum

Petrolatum-based ointments can improve the healing process of wounds. These ointments help keep wounds moist and promote uncomplicated healing. Two commonly used petrolatum-based ointments are Aquaphor healing ointment and white petroleum jelly.

One concern about using petroleum products is the possibility of causing or worsening skin redness and swelling. One study used the aforementioned petrolatum-based ointments to test the validity of this concern and found that the Aquaphor ointment caused wound redness more often than plain white petroleum.

Application Methods

Applying chafing cream is fairly straightforward. That said, to make sure your use of the cream is effective, here are some things to consider.

1. Clean and dry: Ensure the area is clean and dry before applying the cream.
2. Apply a generous amount: Spread a generous layer of cream onto the affected or prone-to-chafe area. Ensure you have complete coverage.
3. Rub in: Gently massage the cream into the skin until it's absorbed.
4. Reapply as needed: Depending on the activity and the cream's longevity, you might need to reapply after sweating or after you have worn it for a while.

Other Tips for Preventing Chafing

In addition to using chafing cream, there are other steps you can take to prevent chafing. Leer and Crumm offer the following recommendations.

Wear Breathable Clothing

According to Leer, wearing breathable clothing is the best way to prevent chafing. She recommends materials like cotton for sensitive skin. The fibers of your clothing should allow moisture to escape as needed. This should prevent the buildup of moisture and irritation and reduce the risk of chafing. 

Change After Workouts

Athletic gear is often marketed as moisture-wicking or lightweight, but Leer warns that leaving athletic gear on after workouts can actually increase the risk of chafing. Athletic gear is typically form-fitting and made of polyester, which can trap sweat and worsen the conditions that lead to chafing. Changing out of athletic gear can help prevent moisture buildup.

Stay Hydrated

While moisture seemingly causes or worsens chafing, Crumm recommends staying hydrated. The reason is simple—staying hydrated could prevent excessive sweating. An accumulation of sweat typically leads to conditions that cause or worsen chafing. By staying hydrated, your body should be able to regulate its temperature better.

Consider Special Bandages

Crumm also recommends trying special bandages or medical tape. While simple, these items can be an effective physical barrier to help prevent friction between skin surfaces. For those allergic to latex or adhesives, bandages may be a better option than tape. These items add a barrier between skin surfaces, so reducing skin contact may help.

Chafing is a skin condition caused by friction between skin surfaces and is exacerbated by moisture, heat, and bacteria. From athletes to people with sensitive skin, anyone can experience chafing, which can cause differing levels of discomfort or pain. 

Thankfully, chafing creams can help alleviate the causes and symptoms associated with chafing. You also can try staying hydrated and using bandages. If chafing continues to be a problem or if you think you may have developed a skin infection, talk to a healthcare provider right away. Sometimes chafing can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.