There’s a factual answer to this, but since that real answer is a product recommendation, I’ve put it here instead of GQ.
[Quasi-TMI altert]
I have an issue, and I’ve come to realize that men must not be allowed to have this particular problem, since there seem to be no products made for it. In the warm months (which we are now entering), I get an frequent and unpleasant chafing on the insides of my thighs. This happens when I have to walk for an extended period while I might be sweating. Like mowing the lawn, golfing, hiking, etc. I don’t even need to be dripping with sweat…it will happen when it’s just warm enough to cause a little excess humidity in that area.
What I end up with after a while is a pink, raw, tender area about the size of a silver dollar on each thigh where they touch. I don’t know why my legs rub together; I’m not a fat guy. I’m about 15 lb over my “ideal” weight of 200, but that area doesn’t seem particularly flabby. I’ve got more thigh musculature than average (from genetics, cycling, or both), so that might explain it. Whatever the reason, they chafe…period.
I’ve done a few things in the past that help a little. Boxer-briefs are better at preventing it than my usual boxers, because they can keep material between the contacting patches of skin. But they’re not foolproof. And once I relized that the issue at hand is functionally the same as diaper rash, I discovered that Desitin works pretty well for prevention and post-chafe relief. But the stuff is greasy and isn’t a good idea with clothing.
I saw a new product on TV that seems like the right kind of stuff. It’s a powder-gel called Soothing Care that relives and prevents chafing. It dries to a skin-bonded, non-greasy film that would do exactly what I want. But it’s made by Monistat and has their brand name plastered all over it. And flame all you want, but I just can’t bring myself to buy, keep in my house, and apply to my body a product made by the foremost feminine “intimate care” company. Yet, somehow, I have only minimal shame when using baby butt cream.
So, what I want is the same thing, in packaging that won’t completely violate my rampant insecurities. Something with some explosions and nearly-naked chicks in the commercials. Something for GUYS (who happen to have sensitive skin in their bikini areas). Does nothing like this exist?
If anyone knows of a good product, please make your recommendations here.