It's summertime, and the living is itchy! With a $4.6 billion swimsuit industry and an even larger shorts and skirts market, chub rub — also called thigh chafing — is about to be back like a boat shoes trend.

Don't let chafing and sore thighs be a summer buzzkill. You've got to understand it to combat it. 

Everyone feels the itchy burn at some point in their lives, and we're here to help answer all your questions, such as what is chafing? How do you combat it? And what can I do to look and be cool this summer?

Learn a little more about the common skin condition while the weather heats up, and you'll be ready to make a splash in no time!

What is Chafing?

Chafing can occur on several spaces of the body. Some people report it on their bottoms, under their chests, and — most commonly — between their thighs. When your thighs rub together while you're wearing shorts, skirts, dresses, or swimwear and make you uncomfortable, that's chafing.

Although it's commonly called "chub rub," that's kind of a misnomer. No matter what size or shape your legs or body are, there's a big chance you've experienced chafing of some sort. Unless your legs never rub together, you're at risk for thigh chafing.

Women can chafe easily in hot weather on the skin under where their bras sit, and both sexes report underarm and love handle chafing, as well. Humidity can cause chub rub, and so can the amount of salt in your body.

Everybody chafes! And most people use anti-chafing lotions, even ultrarunners. You can check out some of our athletes who use our anti-chafing products here. 

When you're chafing, your skin can get irritated, and become swollen, red, and splotchy. Chafing is often accompanied by pain or a burning sensation. It can be mildly annoying or almost debilitating — or anywhere in between.

What Causes Chafing?

Put simply, chafing is caused by skin-on-skin friction. You can feel somewhat itchy, or you could chafe so hard you get blisters. It depends on how much friction your skin can withstand.

Chafing is caused by any number of things, from the innocuous to the hazardous. People who wear their clothes too tight or too loose can chafe easily, especially with lots of repetitive motion. Runners and other athletes can chafe from the sheer volume or movement they're doing, and sometimes because the fabrics they wear aren't "wicking" moisture and sweat from their bodies.

It doesn't matter what size you are, you can be susceptible to chafing. But housing some extra pounds does often contribute to thigh chafing and associated pain. Body heat and sweat can also cause the chub rub. Sensitive skin is another culprit.

And for all you beach bums, sand can cause chafing in the worst places. Be careful when you're at the beach and rinse off often!

Prevent Chafing Before it Starts

Your body might not let you completely prevent chafing, but there are lots of things you can try to head it off at the pass.

Keep your body, clothes, and fabrics dry is a great first start. If you're prone to sweat between your legs and are going for a walk on a hot day, make sure you've taken precautions to keep yourself from the dreaded chub rub!

Apply some anti-chafe salve between your legs or other areas before you head out for the day. This is the best way to eliminate chafing.

If you've started to chafe, this can decrease any further skin damage. And if you've just felt the tiniest tingle, this could keep you chafe-free.

Dressing the part is also key to decreasing the likelihood of chub rub. Synthetic fabrics such as rayon, nylon, and Spandex will help keep you dry and comfortable. Linen, cotton, wool, and other natural fibers are known for their ability to chafe.

And we hate to be the bearer of bad news, but: Skirts in summer can cause chafing. This is one of the easiest recipes for irritated inner-thigh skin. Wearing a skirt in the summer and walking in the heat can make you sweat, make your skin create friction, and make you uncomfortable.

Treating Your Chub Rub

Now that you know what is chafing, and you know how to prevent it — what happens when it's too late for all that?

Treating your chub rub isn't difficult, but it could take some time to heal and for your skin to stop being irritated. Have patience with your thigh chafing, and it will get well soon.

The number one treatment for your chub rub is rest and not creating any more friction. It's important not to use hydrogen peroxide or iodine to clean the wound. Try our Squirrel's Nut Butter sticks, first aid cream, or Neosporin instead. Otherwise, you'll be in for a bad chemical burn! The coconut oil and vitamin E oils in our salves help to sooth rashes and reduce inflammation. It works so well, you'll think it's magic.

Make sure you take all the time you need to heal so that you don't open yourself up to the possibility of a skin infection. Nobody has time for that in the summer!

Squirrel's Nut Butter = Better Results

Athletes, professionals, and families can use our anti-chafing products. Once you try our all-natural products, you won't be asking, "What is chafing?" Instead you'll be asking how your chub rub went away so fast.

We've got a full line of anti-chafing products, as well as skin restoration items, vegan-friendly options, and even some swag! Our family-owned small business out of Arizona cares about you and your skin. Try us out today!