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tolkien
05-09-2011, 20:30
What is chafing?

Chafing can be indentified by a patch of red, raised, sensitive skin that stings to the touch. Despite the common nick-name Monkey Butt, it develops most often between the thighs, although the crotch, butt, underarms, and almost any other area can chafe. Like blisters, chafing is caused by heat, friction, moisture, and bacteria. Hikers with chafing can be characterized by a "duck walk" of sorts.

Larger hikers are more prone to chafing due to increased contact between legs and heavier sweating. More humid enviornments generate more severe chafing, but it can develop anywhere.

Chafing can sometimes be moistureless. Dry chafing is similar to wet chafing in all other aspects, but is far, far less common on the AT.

How is it prevented?

Chafing is uncomfortable to walk with, uncomfortable to treat, and uncomfortable to discuss. An ounce of prevention (literally) goes a long way to making a hike easier. Like many common but unfortunate things that can happen to you on the AT, it's going to happen sooner rather than later, so be prepared. The ~4oz it takes to haul around some ointment and powder is going to do a lot less to ruin your hike than a (very painful) nero.

Before a long hike, you should do some walking around in an atempt to find "problem areas": places where you are prone to develop chafing. Keep these areas very well groomed and clean: it will make treating it later much less uncomfortable. In fact, I'd recomend shaving the local area imediately around "problem areas" to make applying bandages or possibly CTB much more painless. Truly, the best thing you can do before a hike is to wash the inside of your thighs and other chafe-prone regions.

This hiking blog recomends washing problem areas with Dr Bronner's Pepermint Soap. The soap would remove dirt, dried sweat, and bacteria like normal soap, but the pepermint oil helps toughen skin. Also, the odor associated with chafing is almost as bad as the rash itself, and pepermint oil would be a great fix for that issue. I highly recomend bringing a little bar of this and rubbing a little bit on a chafed area and then rinsing it with water. Be warned, though, the pepermint oil may burn (but you'll find that most chafing solutions do).
http://krudmeister.blogspot.com/2010/10/chafe.html

Clothing is the most major cause of chafing. Shorts and undershorts that are ill-fitting cause friction, and if they don't vent well they lead to heat and moisture buildup. Do not wear cotton undershorts, they fray and don't dry quickly. ExOfficio and UnderArmour make good shorts. Compression shorts, in general, work very well.

Many hikers who've gone the whole 2200 miles swear by kilts. I, personally, have never worn a kilt, but if this many people have this much good to say about something it must be worth looking into. This, like many gear topics, will cause some debate. Look into all reasonable suggestions: find what works for you.

It is highly recomended that you bring multiple pairs of shorts/underwear. This way, one can be drying while you wear the other. Most hikers recomend brining black shorts so any stains are less visible. Also certain brands of shorts are more prone to holding odors than others. (See what I meant when I said it's uncomfortable to discuss?)

To sumarize:
- Clean problem areas before a hike
- Bring proper clothing
- Switch out clothing when it gets wet

How is it treated?

When chafing develops, stop and follow these steps. This may take up to half-an-hour, but it will make your hike much more enjoyable:
- Wash the area with water and, possibly, soap to remove dried sweat, dirt, dead skin, and other irritants. You should only need ~1/2cup of water, unless the chafing covers a large area. I would not recomend stream water because it can contain irritants: use water you would drink.
- Wash the area with an anti-microbial agent. The most common are Iodine, Isopropyl Alcohol, and Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2). These also reduce odor, according to some, which is a very nice benefit.
- Wash area again to remove excess anti-microbial.
- Dry the area with a towel of some sort. I recomend a ShamWow or other water-retaining cloth because bandanas don't absorb water well, and may irritate the chafe. Plus, ShamWows are very useful things to have in general.
- Apply some sort of lube to the area if you are continuing to hike. I recomend Petroleum Jelly because of its multi-purpose capabilities. However, many people highly recomend BodyGlide.

Every morning and large break durring a long hike take a little time to clean your problem areas regardless if chafing seems to be developing or not. Water, and perhaps a anti-biotic wipe would be fine: you wouldn't need to apply anti-microbials for this, although they do reduce odor (be sure to pack used wipes out: they don't decompose like toilet paper).

If something is rubbing up against your body causing the chafe, put a barrier between them. A bit of padding, like gauze, held down by a layer of waterproof duct tape works well. Remember not to duct tape any hairs: that would be painful (hence the shaving).

When you turn in for the night, clean the area well once again to remove any lube. If you think you need it, apply GoldBond foot powder or some other sort of drying powder (talc powder, baby powder, etc), and expose to the air to dry by sleeping with minimal clothing/sleeping bag (only in your tent, nobody in the shelters wants to deal with that). GoldBond foot powder has the benefit of being anti-fungal, which can prevent a slew of other, even more unpleasant, issues down the line. Although, it's possible powders will sting if the area is raw.

If the area is extremely raw or bleeding, apply gauze/band-aids as you normally would. Neosporin or some other anti-microbial should always be applied to bleeding wounds like that. Bleeding between the thighs is at a high risk of infection due to the ease at which bacteria can build up if not cleaned regularly.

Iodine VS Alcohol VS Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2):

Iodine, Isopropyl Alcohol, and Hydrogen Peroxide all are used as anti-microbial agents on the trail. The pros and cons of any of them are the same in this situation as they would be in any situation. Here are the general points to know, and you should remember that different people may have different experiences, and different brands can use different concentrations, etc:
Iodine- Burns the most, according to many people. Although Povidone Iodine, reportedly, does not burn as much. Iodine does not react quickly with the skin, and can remain on the wound for a long time, which means long-term anti-microbial protection. Also, some people have alergic reactions to iodine.
Alcohol- Burns less than Iodine, but it still burns. In fact, some find that the difference is not noticeable. Alcohol reacts away quickly, and doesn't leave a residue.
H2O2- Does not burn; in fact, causes a cooling, bubbling feeling. Reacts quickly. Hydrogen Peroxide naturally decomposes into water over time, so a large bottle bought in Georgia could be less effective in Maine, although the rate isn't fast enough to render it completely useless after 6 months. H2O2 is also multi-purpose: it can be used as a mouthwash. Don't swallow it.
H2O2 > H2O + O, 2O > O2 (in non-chemistry speak, Hydrogen Peroxide decomposes into water and oxygen gas)

Do not use Iodine or Alcohol on kids: they will cry. A lot. People will glare at you and talk about you in the registry. And try to keep it away from super sensitive areas.
A word about Benzoin and Neosporin: CTB, the most common form of Benzoin, is a glue. If applying it, make sure the area is hairless. There is some discussion to the effectiveness of CTB as an anti-microbial, and I would look deeper into it if I was thinking about using it. Neosporin, as a cream, can be used, but doesn't neutralize odor as well as the three recomended above.

Summary:
- Clean with water and anti-microbial to remove irritants
- Apply lube while hiking to reduce friction
- Atempt to dry as thouroghly as possible while resting

Other considerations:

Even the absolute worst chafe should be gone in 2-3 days of no hiking and constant, atentive treatment (if it started to bleed it may still be scabbing over at this time, but that's fine). If it hasn't improved noticeably it may have developed into something fungus or yeast-related: I would recomend you check with a pharmacist or dermatologist and review other threads on this subject.

If the constant cycles of applying water, anti-microbial, and then more water twice a day seem to be excessive, they won't as soon as your thighs start to look and feel like you took a piece of sandpaper to them: be smart and think ahead.

If you fail to bring the nessecary first-aid materials to treat this common issue, do not demand that other hikers give theirs to you. It's rude and you should've known better for trying to be so frugal with weight or cost. Learn from your lesson and carry proper gear.

When bringing along one of the three anti-biotics listed above, its best to learn a bit about their application in first aid. One thing to remember, though, is that they are for surface wounds. Do not apply them to anything deeper than a half-inch. Seek help for that.

Finally, I would recomend checking as many pages, threads, and remedies on this as possible. Gear recomendations are always great. Learning the hard way isn't the best way to do things.

I will update this thread with any new pertinent information. Also, the comments section is sure to generate some good stuff.

Wise Old Owl
05-09-2011, 21:33
OOOOOwch...

Copied "When you turn in for the night, clean the area well once again and remove any lube. Apply GoldBond foot powder, and expose to the air to dry by sleeping with minimal clothing/sleeping bag (only in your tent, nobody in the shelters wants to deal with that). If the area is extremely raw or bleeding, apply gauze/bandaids as you normally would. Neosporin should always be applied to bleeding wounds like that."

Gold bond hurts too for you sensitive folk... Neo has nothing on Tinactin and that would be a better choice. WB tries very hard and the writers to afford the best information
But when chafe is so bad that there is no solution... Get the iodine! bite the bullet and do it.

tolkien
05-09-2011, 21:56
OOOOOwch...

Copied "When you turn in for the night, clean the area well once again and remove any lube. Apply GoldBond foot powder, and expose to the air to dry by sleeping with minimal clothing/sleeping bag (only in your tent, nobody in the shelters wants to deal with that). If the area is extremely raw or bleeding, apply gauze/bandaids as you normally would. Neosporin should always be applied to bleeding wounds like that."

Gold bond hurts too for you sensitive folk... Neo has nothing on Tinactin and that would be a better choice. WB tries very hard and the writers to afford the best information
But when chafe is so bad that there is no solution... Get the iodine! bite the bullet and do it.
Iodine is what I use and what I recomend: the sting is worth the fast healing. Gold Bond powder, baby powder, or even corn starch is used to dry up a chafe that may not be dry overnight otherwise.

pafarmboy
05-09-2011, 22:06
I take a pack of Charmin wipes ( http://www.alltravelsizes.com/01-a-07-l.html (http://www.alltravelsizes.com/01-a-07-l.html) ) everytime I go out on a multi-day hike. Be proactive, not reactive. Wipe down the "hot spots" every night. NEVER had a problem with chafing once I started doing this. Easily worth the extra ounce or two per pack.

doheir
05-10-2011, 00:07
The stinging variety of iodine is merthiolate, and it's not used much in medicine anymore. Much more common is Povidone Iodine (also known by its trade name, Betadine). It doesn't burn when applied to an open wound, and yet it disinfects well.

I have no idea how it might help or hinder a chafing situation, but at least the application shouldn't be painful.

tolkien
05-10-2011, 08:07
The stinging variety of iodine is merthiolate, and it's not used much in medicine anymore. Much more common is Povidone Iodine (also known by its trade name, Betadine). It doesn't burn when applied to an open wound, and yet it disinfects well.

I have no idea how it might help or hinder a chafing situation, but at least the application shouldn't be painful.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiomersal (merthiolate is the trade name of thiomersal). It does not contain Iodine, and in fact contains Mercury, which is probably the reason it is not used any more as an anti-microbial despite it's effectiveness.
But non-stinging Iodine is defentively something to look into: none of the sites I looked at, nor my own personal experience, claimed Iodine didn't sting.

camojack
05-10-2011, 21:58
I'm glad to see that you spelt chafing correctly this time. :rolleyes:
(Chaffing is an anti-missile defense...)

kwijibo1234
06-21-2013, 08:18
I'm glad to see that you spelt chafing correctly this time. :rolleyes:
(Chaffing is an anti-missile defense...)

Oh yeah? Well "spelt" is a kind of wheat, he SPELLED it correctly this time. Nothing worse than a grammar cop with a third grade reading level...

:rolleyes:

da fungo
06-21-2013, 09:51
Oh yeah? Well "spelt" is a kind of wheat, he SPELLED it correctly this time. Nothing worse than a grammar cop with a third grade reading level...

:rolleyes:

Well, before you pass out from the rolling of your eyes, you might want to check some sources:

While spelt, as a noun, refers to a variety of wheat, spelt as a verb is as acceptable, although secondary and to some minds archaic, past tense of "so spell".

We'll draw our own conclusions about YOUR reading level.

O, sources:

American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language
Websters New World Collegiate Dictionary
Cambridge Dictionary of American English
Compact Oxford English Dictionary

All available online.

I try not to be snarky, but when someone shows their hindquarters so clearly in response to a two year old post, it's difficult to restrain oneself.

Sarcasm the elf
06-21-2013, 11:43
Slow day at the office fellas?

Dogwood
06-21-2013, 14:36
Here's my do it all in a less than 1 oz can I use for chafing, bug bites, moisturizer, deodorant, bruises, small scrapes, scratches, etc - BURT'S BEES RES Q OINTMENT. That. and a .4 oz can of tiger balm are all I tend to take to the trail these days. I used to have a seperate Body Glide Stick to prevent friction on my feet and chafing, seperate hard stick lip moisturizer, After Bite spray(for bug bites), etc The Res Q Ointment doesn't totally repel gnats and mosquitos but they don't like it either.

da fungo
06-21-2013, 20:48
Slow day at the office fellas?Prezactly.

scrabbler
06-21-2013, 21:08
Small amount of Aquaphor can do wonders to prevent chafing and heal.

Spirit Walker
06-21-2013, 22:12
Green goo - aka Solarcaine sunburn relief with aloe and Lidocaine - works really well to soothe chafed areas. Amway used to make a great product called Aftersun that we used on the trail, but Solarcaine seems to be the same thing under a new label. It may sting when you first put it on, but then a day, or at most two days later, you're healed. Magic.

My local running store gave me a sample of a product called Runguard to prevent chafing. Looks like deodorant, but leaves no mess. So far it has worked well when running in the heat.

Butterfly58
06-22-2013, 07:34
Hey Dogwood, does the Burt's Bees stuff work to prevent chafing or just help after it's happened? And does it work as good as the Body Glide I'm using now which is amazing! I'd love to replace it with something smaller.

Big Dawg
06-22-2013, 13:48
Hey Dogwood, does the Burt's Bees stuff work to prevent chafing or just help after it's happened? And does it work as good as the Body Glide I'm using now which is amazing! I'd love to replace it with something smaller.


Yes, Body Glide is amazing!

Body Glide is available in regular and travel size. I bring the travel size when backpacking.

Body Glide per day keeps the chafing away... Period!

dirtypaws
07-07-2013, 23:21
Would recommend *against* corn starch based powders (starch-based baby powders and the like). If you are brewing a fungal infection down there the cornstarch is simply going to be another source of food for said fungus. Gold bond is talc-based, as are a lot of other body powders.

rocketsocks
07-08-2013, 00:28
The stinging variety of iodine is merthiolate, and it's not used much in medicine anymore. Much more common is Povidone Iodine (also known by its trade name, Betadine). It doesn't burn when applied to an open wound, and yet it disinfects well.

I have no idea how it might help or hinder a chafing situation, but at least the application shouldn't be painful.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiomersal (merthiolate is the trade name of thiomersal). It does not contain Iodine, and in fact contains Mercury, which is probably the reason it is not used any more as an anti-microbial despite it's effectiveness.
But non-stinging Iodine is defentively something to look into: none of the sites I looked at, nor my own personal experience, claimed Iodine didn't sting.ah yes...Mercurochrome...the stuff use to work great, and burned like hell. We use to call it..how shall I say this "No daddy no, not the monkey blood" but the S*** worked.


Mercurochrome

Mercurochrome is a trade name of merbromin. The name is also commonly used for over-the-counter (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Over-the-counter_drug) antiseptic solutions (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solution) consisting of merbromin (typically at 2% concentration) dissolved in either ethyl alcohol (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethanol) (tincture (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tincture)) or water (aqueous (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aqueous_solution)).
Its antiseptic qualities were discovered by Johns Hopkins Hospital (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johns_Hopkins_Hospital) physician (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physician) Hugh H. Young (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_H._Young) in 1918.[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercurochrome#cite_note-Wilner-2) The chemical soon became popular among parents and physicians for everyday antiseptic uses, and it was commonly used for minor injuries in the schoolyard.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_and_Drug_Administration_%28United_States%29) (FDA) removed it from the “generally recognized as safe” and into the “untested” classification to effectively halt its distribution in the United States on October 19, 1998 over fears of potential mercury poisoning (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_poisoning).[3] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercurochrome#cite_note-3) Sales were halted in Germany in 2003,[4] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercurochrome#cite_note-de-4) and in France in 2006.[5] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercurochrome#cite_note-fr-5) It is readily available in most other countries.[citation needed (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)]
Within the United States, products such as Humco Mercuroclear play on the brand recognition history of Mercurochrome but substitute other ingredients with similar properties (Mercuroclear: "Aqueous solution of benzalkonium chloride and lidocaine hydrochloride").[6] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercurochrome#cite_note-6)



A+D Ointment for diaper rash works pretty well also. And this can be squeezed into a straw for small amounts instead of carrying a whole tube.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/A-D-Diaper-Rash-Skin-Protectant-Original-Ointment-4-oz/10417301?findingMethod=rr

Magic_Mack
07-08-2013, 16:21
I get it right where my hip belt goes over my hips. It digs in and breaks the skin. Any ideas on this?

FarmerChef
07-08-2013, 16:38
I get it right where my hip belt goes over my hips. It digs in and breaks the skin. Any ideas on this?

Hmmm...total armchair quarterbacking here but something about your fit doesn't sound right if it's breaking the skin. If the belt is bearing the weight of your pack it should be fairly stable and, for lack of a better word, "still." This would tend to preclude chafing. Otherwise, try a bit of Body Glide over that area. Also remember to take breaks where you take your pack off. Wipe the area down with a wet bandana or other item that will help wash accumulating salts off the area. This may help prevent chafing as well.

da fungo
07-08-2013, 17:47
I get it right where my hip belt goes over my hips. It digs in and breaks the skin. Any ideas on this?Just wait 20 to 25 years. Your body will add padding there whether you want it or not.

Of course, you'll have enough other age-related problems that you won't notice the lack of chafing there.

macdaddy
07-08-2013, 18:17
Extra strength Desitin is fantastic for preventing and treating chafing. I believe it is mostly zinc oxide and can be somewhat difficult to clean up without a good bit of soap and water. I also agree with earlier post about non-cotton clothing. Get that moisture away from the skin.

Sarcasm the elf
07-08-2013, 19:27
Is it just me or did this article never seem very "Ultimate" ?

garyp
07-13-2013, 21:59
I have to say that the Never Came Back: Chafe article was great.

Traffic Jam
07-14-2013, 10:19
I'm frustrated at the lack of information on preventing/treating chafing around female parts. Most anti-chafing creams can't be used as they lead to itching and infection. Can you imagine cleaning that area with alcohol or peppermint oil? Desitin and A&D (and any petroleum-based lotion) seals in moisture and bacteria. Povidine can cause impaired wound healing and lead to tissue necrosis (plus it stains your clothes).

Pedaling Fool
07-14-2013, 10:22
I don't understand people's issue with chafing; I have large thighs and I live in an area where I can't hike everyday, so I run and keep that area perpetually tuffin'ed. No need for any products.

Sarcasm the elf
07-14-2013, 10:24
I don't understand people's issue with chafing; I have large thighs and I live in an area where I can't hike everyday, so I run and keep that area perpetually tuffin'ed. No need for any products.

Yeah, but that requires consistency and willpower. ;)

Wise Old Owl
07-14-2013, 10:26
ITri, the best answer is to consult with your doctor,

In the past I get to a spot to treat I am already past chafe and weeping white blood cells. Yeast & and other bacteria can make it hard if not difficult to treat and it can linger for weeks. My doctor in the past scripts KETOCONAZOLE 2% and it's fantastic at healing in three to 6 days.


Don't forget the compression shorts.

Pedaling Fool
07-14-2013, 10:32
Yeah, but that requires consistency and willpower. ;)The other method requires crass consumerism:eek::)

Sarcasm the elf
07-14-2013, 10:39
The other method requires crass consumerism:eek::)

Sadly, that is slowly becoming my default method :(

Traffic Jam
07-14-2013, 10:49
I'm a bicyclist, runner, swimmer, and hiker...I only take 2 rest days/wk...unfortunately I still get chafed.

RockDoc
07-18-2013, 17:57
Ultrarunners have a lot to teach backpackers about dealing with chafing, blisters, and other friction problems. Read "fixing your feet" by John Vonhof for lots of good info. Besides compression shorts we use body glide and slippery powders like blistershield. Runners need to worry about their nipples, lest they become bloody through friction, so we use nipguards.
We get the products from places like zombierunner or REI. (no assn with these vendors)

John Public
07-28-2013, 18:46
I walk a few miles every day at work and had problems with chafe until I started wearing suspenders instead of a belt and more importantly putting on some diaper cream every morning when it is hot out. The brand I use is heavy in the zinc and has some sort of "green" name like earth baby.

While I have tried gold bond and enjoy that the medicated version makes my nuts feel like the dude in the peppermint paddy commercials I never found that it actually helped.

I wish I knew the solution was so simple as I suffered on and off for years, especially doing tunnel work where it was most often hot.

Del Q
07-28-2013, 18:55
I used to have a pretty serious issue with chafing. Was heavier back then

My guess is that 12+ mile days is about 30,000 steps.

Pants / shorts / convertible pants..............rubbing 30,000 times each day, for 10-12 days = chafing. Simple math right?

Switched to a Kilt.............tons better

My 1st aid kit is pretty much duct tape and antibiotic ointment..........at times that has been used to "goop up" over the inflicted area.

Has worked for me.

Pedaling Fool
07-28-2013, 19:32
I don't understand people's issue with chafing; I have large thighs and I live in an area where I can't hike everyday, so I run and keep that area perpetually tuffin'ed. No need for any products.
When you get to the point where chafing is no longer an issue while running, then you jump in the ocean and go running and the wet shorts/skin simulates heavy sweating and further tuffin's the area.

Or you can just spend your money on some product:)

garyp
08-18-2013, 20:41
I have to say, I like the compression shorts. The shorts do rub on the area right under your testicles but it is better than your whole thighs being rubbed raw and walking like you have a giant D#l#$ up your but.

nu2hike
08-19-2013, 11:44
I read somewhere that stick deodorants, not gels, work well to prevent chafing! Use it like Body Glide. Have you heard of deodorant being used in this fashion?

da fungo
08-19-2013, 13:10
The deodorant idea might make sense - the products appear similar. Time to compare the list of ingredients, I guess. I was surprised a few years ago when my doctor suggested that, to treat very sweaty feet, I put antiperspirant on the soles. There may be more additional uses for the stuff.

The local dollar stores here a product called Butt Balm - a cheap knockoff/imitation of A&D, I think. I find it effective, not only on my thighs, but to prevent chafing on my feet - and it's far cheaper than the name brand.

Gold Bond has a relatively new product line out aimed at high wear skin areas. Don't recall the specific product name; it's nearly as effective as Body Glide, and costs less.

miassis dragon
08-30-2013, 01:23
Haven't heard any mention of hydrocortisone cream. It works

Traffic Jam
08-30-2013, 15:04
I've discovered Hoo Ha Cream :) . It's an anti-chafing cream but has ingredients to prevent yeast and bacterial infection. It's marketed towards women but would be worth looking at for anyone with chafing-related infection issues.

John Public
09-11-2013, 21:24
I read somewhere that stick deodorants, not gels, work well to prevent chafing! Use it like Body Glide. Have you heard of deodorant being used in this fashion?


I had a coworker who was on a Army running team and said they used right guard.

Chair-man
09-11-2013, 22:57
All you need is compression boxers and you chafing problem is over.

WolfCBP
10-16-2013, 08:25
Personally, I solved my chafing with Under Armour Boxerjox 9-inch. No more chafing and designed to provide ventilation, and room, for your junk.

Gambit McCrae
10-16-2013, 09:18
Ah this isnt true at all actually, I tried compression shorts of the right size for over 100 miles and it didnt fix the problem so no for some that might not solve it chairman lol

This is my routine and it has worked for me:

Compression shorts
dry fit light shorts
bodyglide
body wipes for cleaning at end of day
sleep naked to let air out or at least sleep in some of those patagonia underwear that are loose fitting

88BlueGT
10-17-2013, 01:26
^^ You're definitely right. I usually have no 'problem areas' but I have chafed before one time (with proper fitting boxers + shorts) and it was a terrible experience. Ruined my hike. After that, I've never left my house w/out bodyglide.

"Wash the area with an anti-microbial agent"
- Agreed.... and be prepared for the burn :cool:

Del Q
10-17-2013, 20:27
I used to have pretty serious chafing issues

Switched to a hiking kilt...............helped a LOT

Carry foot powder for socks, that helps as does antibiotic ointment.

CalebJ
05-05-2014, 18:05
I had a chance to test the rumors that coconut oil helps with chafing last week on the BMT. Tried it out and re applied a couple of times a day. Totally resolved the issue fire me.

ELW
05-29-2014, 14:18
Good topic. Some questions --

For men, are under armour compression shorts intend to be worn as outerwear or underwear? If outwear, what kind of underwear goes best with them to prevent chaffing?

What's the best garment that combines anti-chaffing with anti-tick properties? Would the underarmour leggings serve this purpose?

Finally, has anyone tried the "hosiery" type products marketed to men, like activskin: http://www.glieberman.com/a876-thermofabric-full-support-footless-tights-with-fly/ Would these serve double duty as chaffing prevention and tick deterrance as well?

[A]valanche
06-12-2014, 10:15
I use antiperspirant (Degree antiperspirant/deodorant) and it works well. I used to chafe in the thighs/groin running just 15-20 miles, but with the Degree I haven't had a problem once. I even did a 50-miler and after fourteen-and-a-half hours, my armpits chafed (I didn't apply any antiperspirant there because I never had a problem before), but my crotch was still going strong.

Note: I also use compression shorts, but the compression shorts alone were not solving the problem.

Almost There
06-12-2014, 11:21
Never used antiperspirant during a hike, but have used it to alleviate pain once chafed. It always has taken the sting right out...so it stands to reason that it might serve to prevent...although 90 degrees with high humidity seems to be very difficult to prevent chafing. Chafed the last day of my hike after 7 years of no chafing....my kilt and smartwool boxer briefs were soaked from the heat and humidity...also the first time I've ever seen that happen.

On hikes I use bodyglide...liberally.

garyp
06-12-2014, 12:23
All you need is compression boxers and you chafing problem is over.
This is what solved my problems. and the advice on this thread.

SunnyWalker
06-12-2014, 15:28
I picked up some Body Glide at ASports yesterday. Already have the UA shorts. Ready to go to CDT. I leave June 16th. Wahooooooooo!

Theosus
08-09-2014, 14:35
Never had a problem on short hikes (less than ten miles). I've used boxer briefs since I started. Did a three day trip on the foothills trail in march. Twelve mile day, 14 mile day and 10 mile day. At the end my right thigh/groin joint area was chafed pretty bad.
Switched to plain briefs and hiking kilt for our mountain marathon. End of 20 miles (one day) I was chafed again, same place, but not as bad. I'm going to try that body glide stuff... To me it's seems to be a combination of sweat/humidity and repetitive motion. The foothills trail was wet the whole time, even in march it's like a rainforest. The marathon was the same way, it rained the first half of the day and stayed damp the second half. I still haven't found underwear that I really like. And my fat legs might be part of the problem.

Hoofit
08-14-2014, 13:00
Starting the trail as a "fattie", some fifty pounds overweight, my 'not so little' fat thighs chafed like the rub rail on my boat against the docks in bad weather.....
However, after several hundred miles, my inner thighs really came into their own, ( whatever that means!!!), and I found to my delight that not only were the ladies whistling at my thighs as I strolled by, somewhat proudly, but also that I no longer had a chafing problem!
So march on, with or , in my case, without any underwear, body armor, boxers or whatever....all the chafing will be gone in no time at all...at least, that's my story and I'm, uh, sticking to it!

Traveler
08-17-2014, 06:55
Iodine is what I use and what I recomend....

I use Iodine AND alcohol, THEN Gold Bond <manly grunt>

Traveler
08-17-2014, 06:59
I use Iodine AND alcohol, THEN Gold Bond <manly grunt="">

Manly grunt.....</manly>

Frank_the_cat
09-24-2014, 17:55
I'm going to double (or triple or quadruple) down on the Bodyglide suggestion. I've been a runner for years and anything, ANYTHING that chafes can be bodyglide-ed. Thighs, butt cheeks, hot spots in new shoes, sports bras, pant straps, pack straps. The stuff is awesome. I've even put it on when things START to get a little warm, and prevented chafing.

rocketsocks
09-24-2014, 18:43
I'm going to double (or triple or quadruple) down on the Bodyglide suggestion. I've been a runner for years and anything, ANYTHING that chafes can be bodyglide-ed. Thighs, butt cheeks, hot spots in new shoes, sports bras, pant straps, pack straps. The stuff is awesome. I've even put it on when things START to get a little warm, and prevented chafing.ok, this is one of those stories I thought I'd take to my grave, but my overwhelming desire to share in the name of a public service announcement I just can't deny any longer.

So, I'm on a somewhat long walk this summer, an it's hot out. Along with my usual things I carry in my bag, rain coat, water, spare battery for ipod, lunch, and other possibles, I decide to bring my little pony stick of "Body Glide" Before having lunch I duck into a Starbucks for a latte and a restroom break where I apply liberally the body glide to my already swamped monkey butt crack...ah, it soothes. Upon leaving and doing a look back for anything left behind from my temporary leather chair an air conditioned oasis outta the sun I notice I'm leaving a sweat ring on the chair, give it a quick one handed squeegee and depart feverishly hoping nobody notices my leaky leavings. Stepping out into the bright sunshine of the day...I shove off once again down the side walk and past the sea of patrons eating outside in the many cafes this area offered and the little wrought iron tables of two's and three's. Rocking out to my favorite tune I see this one fella seated and looking at me kinda funny as I approach, and when I finally pass his way a few steps and look back at him he's doing a full on knee slap and gag, looking and pointing right at me...along with 26 other on lookers.

And that's when it happened. My ipod died, shoot I spent to much time on white blaze while at the coffee house and forgot to re-change...and still there was a muffled sound. It had a definite frequency to it, first up, then down, then quick like, and repeat. Did my ear buds bite the bullet? was it the bus passing by? My tinnitus acting up? I take out my ear phones and stepping lively now to put more distance between the rude gawking noshers, I notice a strange tune emanating from behind me...It's me butt crack playin' a tune that sounds kinda like take me out to the ball game as I flit on down the road, abruptly I slow my pace, then speed up again to resolve the un-ended stanza...any how, so there you have it, twas a great day to be alive and the moral of the story.

...less is more...that stuff is slippery.