View Full Version : Chaffing help
restlesss
02-26-2012, 23:10
OK here goes this is of course for the guys out there. I need help. the past few hikes I have done even just overnight 8 mile days, I have had major chaffing issues down there. I have tried wearing capaline to wick the moisture away no help... I have done things like corn starch and body glide. really No help. I do want to do a couple of long trails but i don't see them happening with this issue. think wearing a jock strap would help? any other "cures" or help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
Try some boxer breifs. I like the UA ones myself.
--louis
Hennessy
02-27-2012, 01:03
This is going to sound bad, but I swear by Monistat Intimate Care - Chafing Relief Powder Gel. I know it's marketed towards women, but I have found nothing that works better. I have tried body glide, gold bond, etc... Now, that being said, I also find a good pair of ExOfficio Boxer-Briefs helps in that department.
SCRUB HIKER
02-27-2012, 01:05
Ex Officio boxer briefs get the job done for me. One pair costs around $20, but one pair also lasted me a thru-hike. Body Glide is a backup on the bad days in summer.
ChinMusic
02-27-2012, 01:15
Under Armor Boxer Briefs 9"
Under Armor Boxer Briefs 9"
I have 3 pairs of these and love them
Jim Adams
02-27-2012, 13:29
Under armor boxer briefs work good and I have used them but I have found that going commando under a kilt works best,,,no chaffing...also wash off ever chance you get in hot weather which is also alot easier with the kilt.
geek
Blue Jay
02-27-2012, 13:38
As always no one suggest this. You bring something to take water away from the drinking supply and wash. It really works.
Blue Jay
02-27-2012, 13:39
Under armor boxer briefs work good and I have used them but I have found that going commando under a kilt works best,,,no chaffing...also wash off ever chance you get in hot weather which is also alot easier with the kilt.
geek
Sorry Jim, I only saw kilt which also works really well.
Bag Balm. Some feed stores, pet supply stores and general stores still carry the 1" cube tin container which are great for back packing but only if you tape it closed each time (the lid can come off). The stuff is a product of Vermont and was originally used on cow udders to prevent rawness from the milking machines.
The stuff is great and won't wash off. Ultra runners and hikers have been using it for years, but if you already got bad chaffing, it ain't gonna help that much. You need to change the kind of pants/shorts you are using now.
Here is a link of one place that still sells the mini cube: http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/campers-world/Bag-Balm-Mini-1-Oz/lmt359601/&?&affiliateid=3274&cvsfa=2734&cvsfe=2&cvsfhu=6c6d74333539363031&gclid=CMiQgffbvq4CFQljTAodPmSA_A
Boxer briefs usually do the trick, but if that doesn't do it, try chamois butter that cyclists use.
RWheeler
02-27-2012, 14:41
I got UA-style boxer briefs from Target. They're C9 brand. Work wonderfully for me. Cheaper, too. I haven't had to replace a single pair, yet. Have had them for about three years to date.
I had this exact same problem. No more though. 3 things. 1. Mid thigh Sport Jockey's that are 1 size too small. Mediums vice the normal large. 2. A tube of diaper rash cream. 3. Rinse the salt out of the boxers whenever I can. The diaper rash cream has a pain killer in it to keep the baby from crying...just like it does for me.
restlesss
02-27-2012, 16:30
Thanks for the help guys. I have tried a couple of these suggestions. I will keep plugging along. Good thoughts on a ROUGH problem. Thanks again
RWheeler
02-27-2012, 16:31
Thanks for the help guys. I have tried a couple of these suggestions. I will keep plugging along. Good thoughts on a ROUGH problem. Thanks again
It's something that's easy to sympathize with. So I'm sure everyone is eager to help with it.
Drybones
02-27-2012, 18:50
Olive oil...good for dry skin, rash, raw areas, and it softens your skin and has a high calorie value if you put it on Raimen.
ChinMusic
02-27-2012, 20:00
http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/pid1209292 is the link to the ones I like. They are boxerjocks and not "boxerbriefs", as I typed earlier. The 9" version just stayin place and just makes my thighs happier too. The shorter versions can ride up......not good.
Ferrousknight
02-28-2012, 04:03
Another vote for Under Armor Boxer Briefs, specifically the longer ones. If they start getting stretched, you might need to hike them up a bit. Silly as it feels, it keeps them working. Supplement with gold bond as needed as well, though the underwear tend to do it for me.
Cycle underwear if possible. Carry at least 2 pair. They really don't weigh much and aside from your feet, this is probably the one other part of you likely to ruin a hike- or at least slow you down a whole lot. You can switch to a clean(er), dry pair immediately and leave the dirty ones out in the rain or rinse them (away from the water source, thank you). They dry fairly fast, especially if it's warm and sunny.
Rain Man
02-28-2012, 10:17
I definitely agree with the tight-fitting "bicycle shorts" style underwear. Like Target, Walmart has its own cheap store brand. I also like the Body Glide, Gold Bond powder, and washing regularly hints.
But I'll throw out one more idea. "Chapstick." Multi-purpose. And you can get the Vaseline version in a very light-weight option (can even be used as a fire-starter) --
Vaseline Lip Therapy (http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=15848&catid=183853&aid=338666&aparam=15848).
Rain:sunMan
.
Wise Old Owl
02-28-2012, 10:36
Did anyone ask Scott for his BMI? Height & Weight, Chaff is a result in "extra areas" sometimes part of the solution is a calorie reduction.
Whenever I read these chaffing threads and I read about all the goupy junk people are apparently putting in their crotch I am amazed. Who wants vasoline, body glide, bag balm, or anything else in their crotch all day? Then you go to bed with that? You use your hand to put it down there in your sweaty crotch area? Gross.
I am overweight, my inside thighs touch and rub. The only thing that is going to help is good fitting (no wrinkles, no seams on the inside) synthetic boxer brief style shorts or compression shorts. I don't like the compression shorts because they are thicker, hotter, usually don't have a fly hole. Synthetic boxer briefs are the same but usually thinner, cooler, have a fly hole. I have tried Underarmour ($30), Target C9 ($10.99 to $19.99, the Wal-Mart brand were I think $9.99 for two pair but they did not fit me right. The fit is important you want it firm, no wrinkles, not so tight it cuts off blood flow but not loose so it moves around.
If you get the right fitting shorts you shouldn't need any lubricants down there.
Good luck. I feel your pain. I have had it so bad before that I could not walk.
Did anyone ask Scott for his BMI? Height & Weight, Chaff is a result in "extra areas" sometimes part of the solution is a calorie reduction.
Very true. Loosing 40 pounds would probably solve my problem but barring that, proper fitting synthetic boxer briefs is what will do the trick.
BTW, I forgot to say...sythetic meaning polyester, maybe some polyester with spandex mixed in usually like 95% polyester 5% spandex. NO COTTON!
BTW another things...
I think some of the people suggesting a little bag balm, body glide, etc are thinner people or people who have not experienced the full brunt of chaffing. The time I got it the worst we were in the NC/TN mountains all day during the summer. It was raining/drizzling all day but it was hot so we just stayed wet, didnt try to fight it. I was wearing loose fitting, regular coton boxers so between the sweating and rain they were all wet and bunched up all day rubbing back and forth. I was wearing cotton shorts with a seam in the crotch area that was kind of sharp or stiff so that was in there rubbing back and forth all day. We started before sun up, finished after dun down. When we got back to the cabin I took over grilling and didnt change, everyone was so hungry I started dinner, drinking beer and didnt worry about the slight stinging down there.
The next morning I could not walk...literally. I had SEARING pain down there. I am no wuss either typically I will just push through things, never even mention it. This was pain you could not ignore. If my thighs even touched slightly it felt like someone was branding me with a hot iron down there. I didn't cry per say but it made my eyes tear up with the searing pain. I tried to put some warm vasoline on the area and just touching it with the vasoline was like firing up a jet engine and aiming it at my thigh...no...freakin...way that was going to help or work. Eventually I had to lay on the floor with a fan blowing up there, eventually I put some gold bond on there, everyone else loaded up the car and I limped to the car and sat with legs spread open. Took 3 days to heal completly. Had I been backpacking I don't know what I would have done to get out.
I don't think most people suggesting body glide or gold bond have experienced this sort of thing. If you were not wearing the proper underwear and you tried to prevent this with body glide of vasoline you would be putting handfuls of the stuff down there every 30 min to an hour which of course is not practical. Plus you would be walking around with squishy, nasty globs of lubricants in your pants and stuck to your hands. What you have to do is prevent the skin from touching by putting a barrier in there....the firm fitting, no wrinkly, synthetic underwear. Hike it up so that it is all the way to the top of your crotch, I grab each leg with both hands at the butt and front and kind of hike each leg up in there nice and good then adjust the waist to a comfortable/normal height. Since I started this I have had 0 chaffing, not one incident.
turtle fast
02-28-2012, 11:17
If the chafing is from underwear rubbing, why not just remove the underwear together. Many hikers hike commando. Then no need for balms, goop, and/or compression underwear. An added benefit is increased air circulation in that area as well as a better avenue for sweat to leave the 'region' and carry its salts with it.
Moose2001
02-28-2012, 12:09
Pair of running shorts with a net brief inside works best!
OK here goes this is of course for the guys out there. I need help. the past few hikes I have done even just overnight 8 mile days, I have had major chaffing issues down there. I have tried wearing capaline to wick the moisture away no help... I have done things like corn starch and body glide. really No help. I do want to do a couple of long trails but i don't see them happening with this issue. think wearing a jock strap would help? any other "cures" or help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
The following will help:
getting more fit/leaner
frequent washing with water (every hour or two if needed)
a more intense form of body glide (I use sportshield) applied as needed
some form of lotion at night (diaper cream?) that you then wash off in the morning before you apply the sportshield
hiking in colder/drier weather
The following has helped for me:
kilt!
In response to what others have said,the balms/goops won't solve your problem alone, but they can be part of an anti-chafing strategy
campingfever
02-28-2012, 15:07
I would like to follow up on TyTy's last post. I too had an incident very similar to his. A Trail Angel picked me up at Watauga Lake and took me to the local CVS Pharmacy in Elizabethton. I bought a cheap tube of A&D Ointment. It is a miracle medicine for about $3 per tube if you purchase the store brand. I applied the ointment and resumed hiking to Vandeventer Shelter without difficulty. By morning the chafing was healed. I applied more about twice the next day as a preventive measure and it worked. Yes, I was overweight then and I am certain that was the cause. I'm thinner now.
I'm a fan of the Underarmour stretchy boxer briefs and the Exofficio ones also seem to be good. Whenever possible, clean with soap and water, put on clean briefs for camp/sleeping, and wash out the ones you wore on the trail today and hang up to dry. In the damp East, you will probably need to pin them to the outside of your pack the next day while hiking to finish drying. Do this every day if you can. Two pairs of briefs that you wear alternately is all you need.
Now, if you start to feel a chafe despite this, immediately apply some bacitracin ointment, or similar petrolatum-based ointment. If you keep hiking without doing this, you may well regret it. I've seen numerous folks have to get off trail due to chafing.
Heard on trail last year, as expressed by a guy trying Gold Bond powder to treat/prevent chafing:
"All I'm doing is making gravy". LMAO when I heard this, one of best quotes ever.
vamelungeon
02-28-2012, 17:19
I am overweight, and Body Glide solved my chaffing problem. I was already wearing boxer briefs, but got chaffing so bad I couldn't walk and the chaffed areas were RAW. By the way Tyty, Body Glide comes in a stick form like stick deodorant so you're not getting "handfuls" of it to apply. It doesn't come off so you aren't reapplying it every 30 minutes. It's NOT like Vaseline.
If the chafing is from underwear rubbing, why not just remove the underwear together. Many hikers hike commando. Then no need for balms, goop, and/or compression underwear. An added benefit is increased air circulation in that area as well as a better avenue for sweat to leave the 'region' and carry its salts with it.
If I went commando I think I would still get chaffing from the pants or shorts I was wearing. Even if I wore I kilt I think I would still get it from the hairy skin rubbing against itself all day although I have never worn a kilt so cannot testify to that specifically.
ChinMusic
02-28-2012, 17:53
If I went commando I think I would still get chaffing from the pants or shorts I was wearing. Even if I wore I kilt I think I would still get it from the hairy skin rubbing against itself all day although I have never worn a kilt so cannot testify to that specifically.
Get a Brazilian........
I am overweight, and Body Glide solved my chaffing problem. I was already wearing boxer briefs, but got chaffing so bad I couldn't walk and the chaffed areas were RAW. By the way Tyty, Body Glide comes in a stick form like stick deodorant so you're not getting "handfuls" of it to apply. It doesn't come off so you aren't reapplying it every 30 minutes. It's NOT like Vaseline.
Doesn't it get all over your briefs then? I understand it comes in sticks I was more thinking about the vasoline, bag balm, etc on that comment.
This is way TMI but I will sometimes get chaffing on the edge of my cheeks down there even with boxer briefs but the boxer briefs, so far, have stopped all chaffing between the legs. Maybe body glide would be just the ticket for the edge of the cheeks issue.
I also agree if you can wash at the end of the day, get the areas clean and dry with dry clothing before bed that will allow the skin to recover. To me Gold Bond is not a preventative to put on while hiking, it is a healing medication to apply to a clean area before bed. In fact the way I use Gold Bond is clean/shower and wash the area (ouch, stings) then pat dry, apply medicated (green) Gold Bond. Now, wait because it is about to start BURNING holy CRAP! Sometimes I will hold over a fan to speed up the intensity of the sting but shorten the duration. Put on dry, loose fitting boxers and go to sleep and typically the next morning it's all better or a lot better than if I had gone to bed without the above treatment. I don't believe in using Gold Bond during the activity to absorb sweat or whatever. Not sure how you sweat but I sweat a lot and no poof of Gold Bond would have any impact or absorption of the amount I sweat.
Get a Brazilian........
I learned to never mess with the hair down there by reading a short story that has bounced around the internet for some time. Note: This is not me, I did not write it...but it is funny and has always reminded me to leave things alone down there.
http://leedeth.wordpress.com/2006/12/03/do-not-shave-your-ass-hair/
rocketsocks
02-28-2012, 19:10
I learned to never mess with the hair down there by reading a short story that has bounced around the internet for some time. Note: This is not me, I did not write it...but it is funny and has always reminded me to leave things alone down there.
http://leedeth.wordpress.com/2006/12/03/do-not-shave-your-ass-hair/That's pretty darn funny,though I could have done without the mental image:eek:I'm scared for life.
I use Body Glide. You can get it at Sports Authority and Dicks. It took care of my chafing problem.
Wise Old Owl
02-28-2012, 21:47
Whenever I read these chaffing threads and I read about all the goupy junk people are apparently putting in their crotch I am amazed. Who wants vasoline, body glide, bag balm, or anything else in their crotch all day? Then you go to bed with that? You use your hand to put it down there in your sweaty crotch area? Gross.
I am overweight, my inside thighs touch and rub. The only thing that is going to help is good fitting (no wrinkles, no seams on the inside) synthetic boxer brief style shorts or compression shorts. I don't like the compression shorts because they are thicker, hotter, usually don't have a fly hole. Synthetic boxer briefs are the same but usually thinner, cooler, have a fly hole. I have tried Underarmour ($30), Target C9 ($10.99 to $19.99, the Wal-Mart brand were I think $9.99 for two pair but they did not fit me right. The fit is important you want it firm, no wrinkles, not so tight it cuts off blood flow but not loose so it moves around.
If you get the right fitting shorts you shouldn't need any lubricants down there.
Good luck. I feel your pain. I have had it so bad before that I could not walk.
Well tyty some of us are a "little" more experienced and the lubricants are a good temporary solution..even if its gross... Hey there are worst things to talk about, there are stories of infected sweat glands, bleeding internally of hips, limpoma, liposarcoma, herniated rectum, and anal bleeding.... wrap your mind around that one. Welcome to hiking.
Well tyty some of us are a "little" more experienced and the lubricants are a good temporary solution..even if its gross... Hey there are worst things to talk about, there are stories of infected sweat glands, bleeding internally of hips, limpoma, liposarcoma, herniated rectum, and anal bleeding.... wrap your mind around that one. Welcome to hiking.
I can see using Body Glide in a stick form like deodorant but for me, I would try basically anything before I put vasoline or bag balm in my crotch. I can see that globbing up in clothes, all over your hands, sticky, gathering dirt when you sit down, getting in my sleeping bag, gumming up....I would try anything before that. When I am out for days without a shower the last thing I want to do is add and apply sticky, greasy, lubricants and lotions that is going to get all over my hands, body, and gear.
I see proper fitting synthetic boxer briefs as a permanent, cleaner solution much like wearing a long sleeve shirt with tall collar combined with a wide brimmed hat in my opinion is a much more reliable, cleaner, easier solution that coating with sunscreen. To each his own, but this is my preference.
WingedMonkey
02-29-2012, 14:50
You use your hand to put it down there in your sweaty crotch area? Gross.
If your crouch is too gross for you to touch your self...something must be very wrong.
OK.... so I'm one f those not fat people and don't have consent skin rubbing skin...I rarely get chaffing, usually after walking wet for more than a few days.
I have good luck with shorts with micro liners or if they are long enough no liner at all.
Still I always carry a small amount of Balmex, it doesn't take a "handful", just enough to make a protective moisture repellent layer until I can get aired out. Sometimes carry the same supply for a year and never use it, but glad it's there when I need it......on a small area. Sometimes handy on a long road bike ride if the butt gets a bit of road rash.
The rare time I wear underwear when hiking is to sleep in, and they are still Coolmax or something like that. And if I'm alone not even then.
:p
restlesss
02-29-2012, 15:52
Thanks Guys! that all helps. will look at some of the ideas you gave.
Restesss
You might also try Hydropel. I use it to keep the skin from getting wet and therefore prevents chaffing. I find it thinner and more comfortable for the softer skin areas. That said, I also use Glide between my toes daily to prevent blisters and for my "butt" area, clean with a "wet one" daily (which I pack out) and apply a dab of preventive Vaseline. (TMI?)
beakerman
03-01-2012, 10:24
3 step process keeps me from having the monkey butt...it can get back there too...
1) clean and dry everything meticulously! no such thing as too dry!
2) (this is the important part for me) Antimonkeybutt powder inteh yellow can...works to prevent and if you get a touch it will clear it up overnight.
3) boxer briefs as mentioned by so many others.
soulrebel
03-01-2012, 12:22
my tx
A) wash area with water, preferably soap and water, even warm water is better to help dissolve the salts and remove bacteria/fungi. Or Baby wipe
B) Rinse/wash shirt, shorts, pack, hat or whatever might have salt buildup.
C) Wipe area with alcohol or spray (iso or denatured even Bacardi151)-I prefer to use sample size deodorant spray (main ingredient-denatured alcohol). Allow friends to be entertained by your grimace.
two options here:
D) if continuing to hike, put body glide over the now clean, affected area to seal out further irritants and prevent further friction.
E) if resting for the night, clean and rewipe with alcohol before bed and preferably allow it to air out or wear something that will wick moisture away from your nether regions. A thin layer of antiobiotic cream or ointment overnight if you let it get too far.
F) If it's borderline bleeding on you, do all these things and treat with antibiotic cream and a bandage. You probably won't be hiking at this point.
and last but not least, lose a lil weight or at least train more so I'm not so soft.
Jim Adams
03-02-2012, 02:15
If I went commando I think I would still get chaffing from the pants or shorts I was wearing. Even if I wore I kilt I think I would still get it from the hairy skin rubbing against itself all day although I have never worn a kilt so cannot testify to that specifically.
the kilt usually keeps you cool enough so that you don't sweat. sweat softens the skin and then the salts in the sweat burn the skin...just stay cool and wash often.
geek
where do you guys wash yourselves everyday? on a trail as busy as the AT i'm too paranoid that i'm going to get caught by something thinking i'm finagling my bagel. do you just roll around in akward positions in your tent at night?
vamelungeon
03-02-2012, 11:52
where do you guys wash yourselves everyday? on a trail as busy as the AT i'm too paranoid that i'm going to get caught by something thinking i'm finagling my bagel. do you just roll around in akward positions in your tent at night?
Inside your tent hopefully.
bboettcher
03-07-2012, 10:37
Boxer briefs usually do the trick, but if that doesn't do it, try chamois butter that cyclists use.
Chamois butter is definitely the way to go!
Also, best, best, best ever boxer briefs are from Duluth trading company "bare naked"
Read the reviews and you will realize why I tried a pair. I hunt a lot in thick clothes (to protect from thorns) in very hot weather, and these are the only, ONLY, boxer briefs that make the cut.
I'll make it easy for you. 1,731 reviews, average 5 star!
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/mens/mens-underwear/76015.aspx
a little pricey, but after you get one pair you will get 5 more as soon as you can get them to take your money!