How to prevent chafing on the trail
Q. My troop just went on a weekend camp-out. After we climbed this big hill, I started chafing in my groin area. It itched so bad, it was really uncomfortable. My friends were making fun of me because I was adjusting my underwear all weekend. How do I prevent chafing?
— Chafed Chad, Belleville, Kan.
A. Ahhh, crotch rot! Don’t worry, Chad, you’re not alone. Even if your buddies don’t admit it, every guy has (or will have) problems with this. Chafing is often caused by poorly fitting clothes and/or sweating. So, wear a good pair of underwear that wicks sweat away from your body. Some guys prefer tight-fitting boxers that cover the inner thighs so there’s no skin-to-skin rubbing. High-quality underwear might seem expensive, but if you avoid chafing, it’s worth it.
Once on the trail, make sure to keep your body dry. Bring some baby powder with you. Just dump a handful into your palm then stick your hand in your pants and coat it all. Don’t skimp on the stuff. This powder will keep you dry and should soothe any chafing hot spots.
Gold Bond body glide (like a deodarnt stick) or Gold Bond powder (the spray is ex to use) is an excellent preventative. My Walmart carries both.
For cheap easy use deodorant
Deodorants have extra chemicals that you probably don’t want in that area. With frequent use, they cause many people allergic rashes and they have to stop using or switch to “all natural” brands. I have seen the rash on armpits and believe me, you do not want it in the groin area!
I wouldn’t put Gold Bond near your sensitive areas – it burns.
I pack Gold Bond in snack size baggies. Put your individual bags in one bag to prevent an accidental mess. This saves on weight and you can control your portions.
I use Wicker’s boxer briefs purchased at Campmor and AntiMonkeybutt powder. Youth will wear the powder because of the funny name before the problem occurs. After it happens I use Boudreaux’s butt paste. Again the name helps the youth get over the fact that it is diaper rash ointment.
Try A&D ointment too – it works wonders after the fact (after showering – at night) to protect, and heal, skin. It also, and VERY IMPORTANTLY, won’t burn when you apply it to skin that’s already chafed. Keep it in your pack easily accessible during the day and reapply as needed. It works wonders!
While the corn starch idea works, you do have to be careful to not use to much. Otherwise, with all the sweat, you just create a gooey, sticky mess. Basically, creating gravy.
When all else fails and you don’t have anything else, use your deodorant…I have used the glide=on gel and it worked great!
A&D ointment as found in infant supplies. TRUST ME it pays to carry some with you. Protects and heals the skin area. Put some on when you first get up to prevent it as well.
Boudreaux’s butt paste..solves all sorts of problems..We use it at the beach for Beach rash..trust me, sand can cause some serious pain….Boudreaux’s solves all those problems.
Talc and corn starch function very different on the body. However, put a half-cup of either one in a cotton sock, fold over the opening and sew or safety pin it shut. Now you have a powder puff applicator that places just the right amount where you want it. Try both rubbing it on and patting the problem spots. Very effective.