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The first step in avoiding chafing discomfort is to prevent it altogether. However, sometimes—especially in hot and sweaty conditions—you might find yourself with sore skin after a run. Take a cue from babies: Diaper cream can help soothe the raw skin.
A zinc-oxide diaper cream like A+D or Desitin (applied after gently cleansing with soap) helps keep the skin from drying out and can prevent infection. It also acts as a shield between your skin and any fabric that may rub against it during the healing process. Just be mindful of your laundry—the cream is thick and can stain your clothes.
Here are some treatments to consider for your chafing:
A+D Ointment
Desitin Maximum Strength
Even better, prevent chafing before it starts:
BodyGlide Original anti-chafing balm
Squirrel’s Nut Butter anti-chafing balm
For your next run, take steps to prevent chafing from happening: Choose well-fitting clothes and sports bras, think about using nipple guards or Band-Aids if you have sensitivity in that area, and apply a lubricant like BodyGlide to any trouble spots. If you already have irritated skin, the same strategies that prevent chafing can help reduce further discomfort, allowing you to keep running while you heal.
Sweat increases the risk of chafing, so even if you've run a certain distance without issue before, a hot and sweaty day could leave you with new irritation. Similarly, you'll encounter more chafing (and foot blisters) on rainy days, or on hot days when you splash cold water on yourself mid-run.
