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- Chafing and skin care when walking in a bigger body
No more chafing
Thigh rub is the most common reason nobody talks about for quitting a walk. It's very fixable.
Prevent it#
- Anti-chafe balm or stick on inner thighs, underarms and under the bust before you walk.
- Bike shorts or anti-chafe bands under clothes.
- Moisture-wicking fabrics, not cotton.
- Seamless or flat-seam underwear and a well-fitting sports bra.
After the walk#
Shower or wipe down, dry skin folds thoroughly (pat, don't rub), and change out of damp clothes soon. A fan or cool air helps skin folds dry.
If it's already sore#
Keep the area clean and dry, use a barrier cream, and give it a day or two of shorter walks in shorts. See a doctor if there's spreading redness, warmth, pus, or a rash that won't settle, which can be a skin infection or fungal rash that needs treatment.
Feet#
Moisture-wicking socks, shoes with room in the toes, and a blister plaster at the first hot spot.
Treadmills for bigger bodies → Sweat, no shame →
Last reviewed October 30, 2026 · Updated November 1, 2026 · Sources · General information, not medical advice.