Possibly the worst pain I've ever felt in my life was when I visited Disney World with my high school band. It was May, I was wearing shorts, and thigh chafe ensued. I desperately needed some remedies for chafing, but back then, I wasn't aware that anyone else experienced this issue. Instead of treating it, I spent the next three days waddling around the park (legs spread) like a Velociraptor.
Now, I'm well aware that tons of people deal with chafing skin, and it's not just limited to thighs, either. Runners experience arm and nipple chafing and bikers and horseback riders chafe near their groins. You can even chafe under your breasts if you're wearing the wrong bra. Basically, any time friction combines with moisture, you can be left with tender and irritated skin that needs treatment.
There are things you can do to prevent chafing in the first place, but if the damage has already been done, you'll need products that moisturize, heal, and soothe the area. You'll also want to avoid anything that strips the skin or might irritate it further with alcohol or synthetic fragrances. Here are some of the best ways to soothe and heal chafed skin after the fact.
1This Cream That Is USDA-Certified Organic For Sensitive Skin
Era Organics Healing Balm, $15, Amazon
This Era Organics healing balm is perhaps the best option for sensitive skin, and that's because (even though tons of adults use it) it's formulated with USDA-certified organic ingredients for babies. It has chamomile, coconut oil, beeswax, and calendula to help everything from a chapped nose to hives, and reviewers say it "makes a big difference in a short time."
2This Convenient And Gentle Balm In Stick Form
Balmers Monkey Balm, $19, Amazon
The secret ingredient in this Balmers Monkey balm is sea buckthorn oils, which alleviate irritation and smooth rough skin. The best part is that it comes in a no-hassle stick form, so you can rub it on the affected spot, cap it, and bring it with you.
3This Calendula Salve That People Are Calling A "Little Miracle"
MJ's Herbals Calendula Salve, $13, Amazon
Calendula is a herb that softens and soothes irritated skin, and that's why MJ's Herbals calendula salve is so effective. It's made without parabens, artificial fragrances, or petroleum, so no wonder people are calling it a "little miracle."
4This Vermont-Based Balm That Prevents As Well As Heals
Because it contains lanolin and no added alcohol, Bag Balm is one of the most effective ways to ease the pain of chafed skin. Even though it helps cracked heels, chapped lips, cuts, and scrapes, it's difficult to find in stores, so Amazon is your best bet. Reviewers say it's also great for stopping chafing in the first place: "I have a chafing issue from riding too many horses every day. This is the ONLY product that both healed the chafe and prevented more."
5This Soap That Soothes Instead Of Irritates
Aspen Kay Oatmeal Soap Bar, $9, Amazon
Using a harsh soap on raw, irritated skin can make the issue even worse — especially if it strips the skin and has added fragrances. This Aspen Kay soap bar uses organic honey, goats milk, oatmeal, and shea butter to hydrate and soothe affected area. It also promotes healing, and reviewers say, "I have eczema and this does not irritate my skin at all. I also run and sometimes chafe, so it's good to have a gentle soap."
6This Wheatgrass Spray That Promotes New Skin Growth
Dr. Wheatgrass Antioxidant Skin Recovery Spray, $37, Amazon
Because it's loaded with antioxidants and vitamins that stimulate growth factor production, Dr. Wheatgrass recovery spray can help any irritated area. It naturally soothes and moisturizes tender spots, and people use it to help everything from eczema to molluscum contagiosum.
7This All-Around Great Healing Balm With Organic Ingredients
All Good Goop, $11, Amazon
Made with certified organic herbs and olive oil, All Good Goop can be used for sunburns, insect bites, chapped lips, and blisters, but it's also great on chafed skin. Reviewers say it smells pleasant, absorbs fairly quickly, and is just an overall great thing to have around the house. "I've only been using it for three days on my ankle that gets chafed by my orthotic device," says one reviewer. "For the first time in months, the skin is getting healthy and I'm closer to being pain free."
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