I'm a slim man, but I've discovered that after even a short hike I start to get chafed in an area I didn't expect—on my rear end, very close to the anus. Needless to say this is quite an embarrassing topic to bring up in camp with my fellow hikers. My tight-fitting 100% cotton-free boxer-briefs keep the chaffing in other sensitive areas at bay.
I guess I'd like some solidarity, does anyone else get chaffed in the same area? What products would you recommend to prevent chafing in the future?
Registered: 08/18/08
Posts: 31
Loc: Russellville, Arkansas, USA
While I don't get chafed there, I do get it in other areas. I carry a tube of Balmex. It's zinc oxide diaper rash cream and can be found in the baby section or the pharmacy at Wally-world. It's one of the less expensive ones that has a bigger tube. It works for me.
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Scott W. McClure Photographer - Scoutmaster Troop 202 Eagle Scout - BSA / Vigil Honor - Order of the Arrow
Registered: 08/28/06
Posts: 162
Loc: Atlanta, GA, USA
I used to get chafing on my inner thighs from my underwear. I tried some different things and finally figured out just not to wear underwear during the warmer temps and it worked fine.
In the winter, I wear tight long underwear or at least that base layer type underwear that goes down your legs a bit.
Both of these measures have pretty much eliminated the problem, that was very irritating before that.
If your chafing is near your anus, I would say dump a bunch of baby powder down there or you could always put moleskin there as a last resort...that might feel odd but maybe not as bad as the chafing.
“My tight-fitting 100% cotton-free boxer-briefs keep the chaffing in other sensitive areas at bay.”
Some more ideas to stir in the stew: I’ve had best results in poly-cotton boxer briefs. And you’re right; keep it ‘tight’--- like biking shorts.
Also, the back sweat will roll down and collect there. The salt water will turn your skin raw from the rubbing. So if you could wick (or other measures to keep it cool) off your back sweat before it ‘rolls’ that should help.
Registered: 10/27/03
Posts: 820
Loc: north carolina
Is it red and painful like diaper rash? Hikers call this "monkey butt." I get this occasionally when I'm hiking in very hot weather. Gold Bond powder can help prevent and treat it on the trail. Body glide might work, but I don't think I'd like how that felt.
Also, I've seen a link to this, but haven't tried it:
Registered: 02/20/03
Posts: 701
Loc: Fountain Valley, CA, USA
Yep, get it all the time. Before I start hiking or at the first sign of it, I use a small dab of vaseline. Used this method for years, works well for me. My boys used to laugh at me till they got it, tried the vaseline, and found out it worked. They don't laugh now, just ask to borrow the tube. I carry a small tube of vaseline, readily available, inexpensive and it works.
I do what DownsD does. Also, use baby wipes. Here is the routine.
Before trip, take shower, apply Vaseline to suspect areas (only need a little). When use the bathroom, use at least one moist wipe to completely clean all areas of "stuff" and sweat. Reapply Vaseline. In morning, use one moist wipe to clean all netherly regions and reapply Vaseline.
I did this in the army with sweaty uniforms that weren't washed everyday, and I couldn't shower everyday, and I was in extremely humid environments.
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I've taken a vow of poverty. To annoy me, send money.
All good advice, but I would offer a word of warning regarding use of the vaseline in mountainous regions. It could cause you to slip and slide more than usual. :-)
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