Chafing while running can be caused by friction between clothing and skin, sweat, and movement. Wearing snug, synthetic clothing that wicks moisture away and avoiding bulky seams can help prevent chafing. Correcting movement issues may require a professional trainer.
Perhaps one of the most uncomfortable sensations you can feel when participating in sports activities is chafing while running. Rubbing can even cause blisters, which can be quite painful. To stop running chafing, you’ll first need to identify what’s causing this unpleasant feeling. Friction between clothing and skin is the most common cause of irritation, so it’s a good idea to start by taking inventory of what you’re wearing while running and whether those clothes are the best choice for attire.
Baggy, baggy clothing can lead to chafing when running because the clothing materials will have plenty of opportunity to move back and forth on your skin. This is especially common on the inner thighs, or even the armpits and nipples. To counteract running chafing that is a result of rubbing from clothing, try wearing a base layer that is snug and snug against the skin. This can help prevent excessive movement that can cause friction in certain parts of the body. Also avoid abrasive materials; Cotton can get wet, heavy and abrasive, and when rubbed against the skin, chafing can occur.
Sweat can also increase the likelihood that you’ll experience chafing while running. Of course, you can’t help but sweat during physical activity, so again, your choice of clothing can help you avoid discomfort. Look for clothing made of synthetic materials that wick moisture away from the skin during physical activity. This will help ensure that your skin remains relatively dry. Chafing is less likely to occur on dry skin than on wet skin, as the potential for friction between clothing and skin is less without moisture present. Avoid clothing with bulky seams that can dig into the skin or cause discomfort.
Your movement while running can also cause chafing while you run, which can be a more difficult problem to solve. If you run with your arms close to your body, for example, you’re more likely to experience underarm chafing. Thighs rubbing together in a close fashion can lead to chafing on the inner thighs, and can also cause chafing on the heels of the feet. Correcting these problems can be labor intensive, and it’s a good idea to visit a professional trainer who can do a gait analysis to help you find a more efficient and comfortable gait.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
