Rash due to Running - Little Embarrassed

by GM
(Delhi, India)

I've been running since past 4 years and have been your follower Dominique since long.
In my recent past 3 morning runs past week, I've suffered from severe rashes around my groin and scrotum. Not feeling very good to express this to you, but never the less, prevention and cure is more important.

It's hot and humid out here in Delhi (INDIA) and I was sweating heavily on all three occasions. My briefs were synthetic though shorts were cotton (my mistake).

So, first thing that I want to know, it how to control this. I've been an anti-fungal ointment, and haven't run since past week (Missing the run).

Secondly, how to avoid this in future as soon I'll be running in hot-humid Bangalore(INDIA) and Mumbai(INDIA). So, I'm getting pretty worried and conscious on avoiding these.


Answer by Dominique:


Hi there,
Thanks for your question. Of course you can never be sure when diagnosing from a distance, but the problem you have is not a rash I think, but thigh chafing.

It is caused due to the constant rubbing of your thighs against each other, against your clothing etc as you are running.

What can also be the case is that it is due to the sweating. All those little sweat crystals on your legs can start to act like sandpaper.

I have had it myself as well. It is one of those little conditions that is innocent, but can still be pretty uncomfortable!

Some people find that wearing running tights helps. Or when it's hot you would probably want to opt for biker shorts. Then you don't have the rubbing so much as when you wear conventional running shorts.

Avoid the cottons and use fabrics that wick away sweat.

What can also help is stuff like BodyGlide which helps the legs glide, not rub, against each other. It reduces the friction, which reduces your chances of thigh chafing.



Also see this question regarding thigh chafing.

Hope this helps and that you will soon be able to run again.
Best of luck.
Kind regards,
Dominique