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Top 12 Chafing Prevention Products

By , About.com Guide

Updated March 24, 2013

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

If you have ever experienced chafing you know how it can end your walk. You chafe wherever sweat and skin meet - most often the underarms, chest, crotch, thighs or nipples. There are simple solutions.

1. SportShield Silicone Liquid Roll-On

SportShield Roll-on Liquid Blister and Chafing PreventionWendy Bumgardner © 2009

This silicone-based roll-on provides long lasting lubrication to prevent blisters and chafing. It is odorless and non-greasy. I use it to prevent underarm chafing, as well as on my toes to prevent blisters. It also comes in towelette packets.

2. BodyGlide

BodyGlide Anti-Blistering and Chafing Stick© Pricegrabber
BodyGlide is a no-petroleum stick that goes on like a deodorant stick. I use it to prevent chafing. It won't stain your clothing. It comes in regular and a version that includes sunscreen. It's also good for preventing blisters on your feet. You can even find mini-versions that are easy to take along in your pack.
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3. Gold Bond Friction Defense

Gold Bond Friction Defense© Gold Bond
This stick goes on like deodorant. I love that it is unscented, as I am allergic to many scents. You can use it wherever you are bound to chafe, and use it on your feet to prevent blisters. It contains aloe vera to moisturize. I found it to be a little sticky to the touch after you put it on. It worked well to prevent under-bra chafing, but I prefer to use the SportShield silicone roll-on for my underarms.
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4. Mission 5 Hour Anti-Chafe Cream or Stick

Mission 5 Hour Anti-Chafe CreamCourtesy of Pricegrabber
This is a silicone-based cream or stick you can apply wherever you might experience chafing. The manufacturer says it stays in place longer than wax-based anti-chafing products as it has a higher melting point. It is almost unscented, which is important for those of us allergic to perfumes and scents. I detect a slight herbal note only.
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5. SkinStrong Slik

Skin Strong SlikCourtesy of Pricegrabber
This spray-on anti-chafing preparation can be very handy for those hard-to-reach areas. Also, it seems more hygienic than rub-on sticks, especially if you share it with your walking partner! Skin Strong mentions that it is a good choice for under your heart rate monitor chest band, which is a prime spot for chafing. The product is scented but it didn't trigger my allergies. Skin Strong also makes Slather cream and Slik Dust, a powdered silicone product.

6. Squeaky Cheeks Performance Powder

An anti-chafing powder that stays in place all day and has a pleasant minty scent.

7. SportSlick

SportslickCourtesy of Pricegrabber
This easy to apply gel combines silicone, polymers, and petrolatum for long lasting waterproof lubrication. It includes aloe, antioxidant vitamins E and C, natural plant extracts, Tolnaftate antifungal agent and Triclosan antibacterial agent. A drawback for me is that it is scented and I'm allergic to the scent.
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8. Compression Short - Mens

Spandex sports shorts are the best way for men to prevent thigh and crotch chafing. These shorts and similar models will keep things from rubbing together.
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9. Compression Shorts - Women

Nike Core Compression ShortsCourtesy of Pricegrabber
These spandex and nylon shorts will keep your thighs from rubbing together to produce chafing. Look for these or similar models.
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10. Luvees

If thigh chafing is your problem and you want a solution you can wear under all clothing, including your work outfits and dresses, Luvees are a great solution. You can choose from a thigh coverall or a panty coverall designed to prevent thigh chafing.

11. NipGuards

NipGuardsCourtesy of PriceGrabber
Men and bra-less women soon discover that nipples are a prime target for chafing. Some try lubricants or bandages. But this item is specially designed to fit over nipples and provide the needed protection.
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12. Petroleum Jelly

Vaseline Petroleum JellyPricegrabber ©
It's cheap and you probably have a jar of it in your medicine cabinet. For many people, it works great against chafing. But it can be hard to wash out of your clothes.
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