When I was 13 years old, I spent a summer at a fat camp. It was a formative experience—it’s where I discovered I hate running, developed a dependence on Diet Coke, and learned that the irritation between my thighs was not only commonplace but that it also had a name—chub rub. I’ve spent the nearly two decades since perfecting my routine for preventing and treating it. 

First, let’s be (momentarily) scientific about things—the real term is thigh chafing. Dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD told InStyle that it’s “irritation that comes from pressure and friction on the skin that can cause micro-tears.” That, combined with the bacteria from the sweat, is what leads to the bumps, blemishes, and inflammation on the area(s) in question. 

Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Stick

Prevention is the best medicine, and in this case, a good anti-chafing stick ensures that I can walk miles in the blistering summer heat without feeling like my inner thighs are on fire and bleeding. There are a ton of options, but Megababe’s Thigh Rescue remains my go-to. It applies like butter, coating the inner thighs in a wax-like material that’s thin and unobtrusive. Dr. Nazarian explains that it works by “decreasing surface tension and allowing the skin to slide rather than grip and rub together.”

I have half a dozen of these anti-chub rub sticks in my house at any given moment. There is one in the bathroom, one by the door, and a mini one in every regularly used tote bag and purse. The stuff will not last 12 hours unscathed, so the minis help ensure I can reapply whenever, preventing my day from being disrupted. 

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream

Irritation will, however, still happen, and to heal that, I like to use a thick balm or salve like Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream. I didn’t understand the science behind it; all I knew, before Dr. Nazarian explained it, was that it soothes the irritation and repairs the damaged skin. She explains that chub rub is largely an issue of a broken skin barrier, and, thus, a product that “leaves the moisture barrier intact, ensuring baseline irritation and inflammation is at a minimum,” is the solution. 

Head to Amazon to shop my two-step Megababe and Elizabeth Arden anti-chafing routine. It’s kept me active and pain-free for 17 years and counting. Below find some other chub rub products I also find helpful. 

Megababe Night Rescue Overnight Brightening Stick

Noosh Air Anti-Chafing Shorts

First Aid Beauty Anti-Chafe Stick