Chafing & Stretch Marks - What You Need To Know

Many men and women suffer from both chafing & stretch marks on the inner thighs. These two common skin conditions often go hand-in-hand – learn why!

What Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks, also called striae, are a type of scar on the skin. They are recognizable for their line-like appearance and off-color hue. Over time, existing stretch marks will diminish for most people. Stretch marks will typically fade from brighter shades of purple or red to light tones, but they will usually never disappear completely. Stretch marks happen when the skin dermis tears. And the dermis tears when your skin gets stretched beyond its limit; this could happen in situations such as rapid growth or pregnancy.

Who Can Get Stretch Marks?

Almost anyone and almost everyone can and will get stretch marks. Stretch marks are a very common skin condition in both adult men and women as well as teenagers. For women, stretch marks often occur during puberty or pregnancy. They are most common on the breasts, hips, legs, thighs, and buttocks.

Men can also get stretch marks during puberty on the legs, buttocks, thighs, shoulders, and back. Stretch marks often occur during growth spurts in the teenage years for both men and women. Adults can also get stretch marks at any age from weight gain, pregnancy, weight lifting, or from building muscle rapidly.

Why Do I Get Chafing On My Stretch Marks?

It’s common for stretch marks to occur on the inner thighs. Like any cut or scar, fresh stretch marks can be itchy or irritated as the skin tries to adapt and repair itself. As stretch marks fade they usually cause no pain or irritation in the long term. But, scarred stretch-marked skin can be more sensitive to sunburn or irritation. That’s why stretch marks can be especially sensitive if you experience chafing in the same area. The pain from chafing on stretch marks can happen on new scars or even decades-old stretch marks.

Are Stretch Marks Chafing Scars?

Some people who experience very severe chafing on their inner thighs may also get scars. It's possible to mistake chafing scars for stretch marks, or have both types of scaring in similar parts of the body. Chafing scars could be in addition to stretch marks or simply mistaken for stretch marks. If you start seeing more scarring after chafing you should take action immediately. You will need to treat your current chafing and prevent future chafing to avoid further scarring.

How To Treat Stretch Marks & Chafing

There are treatments available to help prevent or reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Some people seek surgical treatments such as laser therapy to soften their stretch marks. Topical creams, body butter or vitamin D can also often improve the appearance. Many of these creams may also help prevent or soothe chafing by keeping the skin well hydrated. But, the best way to prevent irritation on your stretch marks is to create a barrier between the skin so it doesn't rub at all.

Bandelettes® anti-chafing thigh bands and anti-chafing shorts prevent the rubbing that causes chafing. They provide an effective barrier between the thighs. By stopping sweaty skin from rubbing, Bandelettes® prevents chafing from occurring. And by stopping chafing you can stop stretch marks from getting irritated and causing pain.

Bandelettes thigh bands free men and women from the pain of skin chafing. To learn more about the causes and prevention of skin chafing, read our guide: Everything You Need To Know About Chafing.