I just got new shorts yesterday (they were expensive, too!) and thought I'd test them out today. I only got 3 miles (and barely back home!) because they chafed so badly! Is this because it was 90 F and like 70 % humidity, or do I have to see if they will accept returns after washing???
Also, what can I do to fix the disgusting red marks on my skin??? I know to use baby powder or deodorant on my next run, but how can I make the actual red splotchiness go away???
2007-10-07 17:04:59 · 9 answers · asked by Delynn 2 in Sports ➔ Running
The heat was probably a big contributor. Perspiration and friction always spell trouble. What works well for me is to wear compression shorts (spandex, basically) underneath my running shorts. They're typically made from a moisture wicking fabric that will keep your skin dry and will also prevent chaffing...both between your shorts and skin and also between the inner thighs.
Another thing to try, if the area that's chaffing is relatively small is a product called "Body Glide". It's sold in most specialty running stores and also online. In my experience, it's absolutely amazing stuff for preventing chaffing. It's not greasy like some other products and doesn't wear off with perspiration. I would advise against using baby powder, though. It works fine until it gets moist from perspiration, at which point it is no longer effective.
I would expect that the shorts will feel better after you've worn them out a few times. It's not unusual for new garments to have a short wear-in period. The red marks could be a combination of chaffing and also heat rash. Heat rash can occur in areas such as the inner thigh during strenuous exercise. The area will typically be blotchy in appearance, sometimes with mild itching or swelling. Use a moisturing cream to sooth the skin and it should be fine in a few days.
Good Luck!
2007-10-08 07:58:30 · answer #1 · answered by Marcus75 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Heat was the big factor. I know spandex is not cool, but I suggest getting some and putting them under your new running shorts. It will aleviate the friction between your legs. As far as the red splotch problem. Wait a day or two. Let your legs get air. It will heal. Your baby powder trick is smart. With the hot weather, remember to hydrate yourself, constantly. This may be the last good run you can get in this year.
2007-10-08 00:12:37 · answer #2 · answered by hbuckmeister 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Probably best suggestion, even if your other shorts don't chafe, is to wear some type of a spandex no matter what. The problem was most likely the heat, and your skin being clammy/sweaty, but it's the best thing for you.
2007-10-08 00:13:43 · answer #3 · answered by Blah 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Always wash new clothes before exercising in them, you have no idea what stiffeners and stuff have been used to make them look better.
You can't make the red splotchiness go away directly - you can use a triple antibiotic cream like Neosporin to help it heal faster and keep it clean and covered to protect it.
2007-10-08 00:09:28 · answer #4 · answered by Mike1942f 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That sounds painful. try wearing some stretch type shorts under the running shorts. They could have chemicals in them from when they were manufactured. Did you wash them before you wore them? That could be the problem too.
2007-10-08 00:09:55 · answer #5 · answered by Morgantown32 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try running with spandex like underarmor underneath. And for the red marks, the best thing is to NOT TOUCH IT and keep it mousturized with lotion or something in that catagory. (:
2007-10-08 03:03:15 · answer #6 · answered by sked 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
1. Try looser shorts.
2. Only time will get rid of the red marks.
2007-10-08 00:09:08 · answer #7 · answered by mcmatrix12000 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
maybe before you try them on again take some benadryl or claritin.
2007-10-08 00:13:32 · answer #8 · answered by THE GOOD NIGHT 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
bacon fat
2007-10-08 00:08:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋