I’m a dermatologist – here’s how to best combat the dreaded chub rub in the 32C heat

IT’S short weather, and while that’s something to be pleased about, there’s a nasty side effect.

Chafing – or the so-called ‘chub rub’ – happens to the best of us.

It feels like once the process has begun, it’s only downhill from there.

Not only can chafing occur on holidays abroad, but in the UK when it’s warm outside.

And with the UK facing a 32C scorcher today and similar temperatures on Saturday, chafing is set to strike millions.

A dermatologist has given his best tip to avoid chafing – and it doesn’t involve losing weight.

Chafing is when there is friction between the thighs or another part of the body. It can be skin-on-skin or against clothing.

It tends to occur if you are walking in the heat, but can appear if you’ve been sitting down and the sweat is on.

The result is a rash on the skin which is sore, burns, and is sometimes itchy. 

Dermatologist Dr Derrick Phillips, of the, previously on how to both prevent and treat the nasty condition – and it barely costs £1. 

He said: “Gently pat the skin dry, and apply petroleum jelly to the affected area.”

Petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, is cheap and in almost everyone’s household. 

Some dermatologists favour it over the expensive creams in store because it is so effective at locking moisture in. 

Keeping Vaseline in the fridge will also help soothe any redness or pain from chafing. 

You can use it to prevent chafing – although some people prefer to remove moisture, as opposed to adding it.

Because it’s not quickly absorbed into the skin, the slippery surface will last a while before you need to reapply. 

Petroleum jelly also works as a fuss-free solution to the aftermath of chafing.

According to research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, applying petroleum jelly to chafed skin can help reduce further irritation.

Prevent the chub rub

As for preventing the chub rub, there are a number of things you can try to see what works for you.

Anti-chafing shorts worn under skirts and dresses can be a blessing. Many styles on the market now are discreet.

Anti-chafing shorts work by smoothing the friction between your legs helping your legs brush past each other without rubbing in the middle.

As an added bonus, some anti-chafing shorts can act as shapewear to smooth out your silhouette.

• Read our “10 best anti-chafing shorts” including our favourite, the Snag Chub rub shorts

Other tips to prevent chafing include the classic talcum powder, which reduces stickiness between the legs. 

However, the white dusty residue on skin and clothes isn’t ideal and it may not last very long. 

Some women swear by using roll-on deodorant as a lubricant between the legs in summer.

It will work even when the deodorant has dried as the product leaves a protective film over the skin.

It’s less greasy (and cheaper!) than other products that promise to do the same job.

Other hacks include dry shampoo and DIY cycling shorts made of tights.