THE sun is finally here which means it’s time to strip down and bask in the warm weather.
But with summer dresses, shorts and scorching temperatures comes the dreaded chafing, often referred to as ‘chub rub’.
GettyIt’s estimated that around 99 per cent of women are plagued by chafing[/caption]
While most chafing is just a little bit uncomfortable, more extreme cases can cause the skin to break and may even cause spots or rashes.
The skin needs time to heal properly which can be difficult in the summer months if you’re wearing skirts or swim wear.
And although it can be embarrassing, it’s estimated that around 99 per cent of women are plagued by chafing.
Thankfully, a doctor has weighed in on some of the best ways to treat and even prevent the painful condition.
“Inner thigh chafing happens when the inner thighs on both sides rub against one another,” Dr Bhavjit Kaur, an aesthetic medical practitioner, said.
Speaking to The Sun, he said the condition can lead to more than just spots but also post-inflammatory or friction hyper-pigmentation.
This is when the skin is left a darker colour following an infection or irritation.
“This can sometimes happen even by friction with clothing and can happen in armpits, groins, buttocks and under the breasts too,” he said.
Here’s some of Dr Bhavjit’s top tips on how to reduce the agonising chub rub.
1. Cycling shorts
Wearing breathable bike shorts or anti-chafing bands underneath your favourite summer dresses can prevent chub run from happening.
“These can be worn even if chafing is already present,” the expert said.
Where to buy them?
Comfortable underwear brand, Sloggi sells anti-chafing shorts in sizes 12 to 26 and retailing for £17.
Cheap swap: Snag sells chub rub shorts in sizes 4 to 36 in a variation of fits suited to height and figure. And the best part, they’re going for just £8.69.
2. Talcum powder
Chafing tends to happen when your skin gets damp.
“Keeping the area dry by using talcum powder or baby powder is an easy way to prevent this if the person has a tendency for chafing,” Dr Bhavjit said.
Where to buy it?
You can find talcum powder in your local pharmacy. A 500g container sells at Boots for £2.50.
Cheap swap:
Boots do their own baby powder in store. A 500g contains retails at £2.
3. Anti-chafing creams
The easiest ways to prevent thigh chafing come in the form of a cream, balm or garment that acts as a barrier, Dr Bhavjit explains.
Where to buy them?
The doctor recommends Body Glide For Her Moisturising Anti-Chafe Balm Stick which can be used anywhere on the body. You can get the balm on Sigma Sports website for just £7.
Cheap swap: If you can’t get your hands on any purpose made creams, lip balms can also work well, the expert said.
Superdrug sell Vaseline lip therapy for £1.22 online.