Chafing and Rashes from Tennis? Here’s How to Stop the Burn

If you love tennis but hate the stingy, itchy aftermath on your skin, you're not alone. Long matches, sweaty clothes, and constant movement can leave your underarms and inner thighs raw and irritated. Whether you're a weekend warrior or hitting the court daily, skin irritation from tennis can seriously mess with your game.

Why Tennis Causes Chafing and Rashes

Tennis is a high-energy sport. You twist, pivot, run, and sweat often for hours at a time. That constant motion creates friction. Add in moisture from sweat, and your skin becomes even more vulnerable to rubbing and irritation.

Common trouble spots include:

• Inner thighs: Rapid lateral movements can cause your thighs to rub together, especially in shorts
• Underarms: Swinging your racquet over and over can irritate the delicate skin under your arms
• Chest or bra line: For women, tight sports bras can increase friction and trap sweat

This leads to a few familiar symptoms. You might see redness, feel a burning sensation, or notice bumps or raw patches. In more severe cases, chafing can turn into a full-blown rash or even broken skin.

The Science of Chafing: What’s Really Happening

Chafing happens when skin repeatedly rubs against skin or fabric. This breaks down your skin’s outer layer and causes inflammation. Moisture from sweat makes things worse. It softens the skin, making it easier to damage. Once that top layer is compromised, bacteria can sneak in, leading to infection or rash.

In tennis, this is common in high-friction zones like your inner thighs and underarms. The result? Painful tennis rash or red, raw skin that can linger long after your match ends.

How to Stop Chafing from Tennis

Preventing sports chafing is all about reducing friction and keeping your skin dry. Here’s how to protect your skin before, during, and after your next game:

1. Wear the Right Gear

Start with your clothing. Your outfit can make or break your skin comfort on the court.

• Choose moisture-wicking fabrics to keep sweat off your skin
• Avoid cotton, which holds moisture and increases friction
• Opt for compression shorts to prevent inner thigh rash from sports
• Look for seamless or flat-seamed tops to reduce underarm chafing from tennis

2. Apply an Anti-Chafing Cream

This step is essential. A good barrier cream or balm helps reduce friction and shields your skin from irritation. Look for options made for athletes. The best anti-chafing cream for athletes should be:

• Long-lasting: So it stays put through long matches
• Sweat-resistant: So it doesn’t melt off mid-set
• Skin-friendly: Especially if you have sensitive skin

Magnesium-based creams, like those from MAGS Skin, offer a gentle but effective layer of protection. They also help calm irritation if you already have a rash.

3. Prep and Protect Your Skin

Before your match, make sure your skin is clean and dry. Apply your anti-chafing cream to areas prone to irritation: inner thighs, underarms, and anywhere else that rubs.

After the match, cleanse your skin and reapply a soothing cream if needed. This simple routine can go a long way in tennis chafing prevention.

Already Have a Rash? Here’s What to Do

If you’re dealing with a tennis rash or irritated skin, don’t panic. You can still treat it and get back on the court sooner.

1. Clean the Area Gently

Use a mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing or using harsh products. Pat dry with a soft towel.

2. Apply a Soothing Treatment

Look for creams that calm inflammation and help your skin heal. Ingredients like magnesium hydroxide can reduce redness and irritation. This is especially helpful for underarm chafing from tennis, where skin is extra sensitive.

3. Let Your Skin Breathe

Take a break from tight clothes and let your skin recover. If possible, avoid more tennis until the rash improves.

4. Keep It Dry

Moisture makes chafing worse. Use a gentle, talc-free powder or let skin air out after applying cream. This helps prevent further irritation.

Chafing Remedies for Athletes: What Really Works?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But here are some tried-and-true remedies that help prevent sports chafing and treat it fast:

• Barrier creams: Block friction and moisture
• Magnesium-based balms: Calm irritation and balance skin pH
• Compression wear: Reduces skin-on-skin contact
• Proper hygiene: Keeps bacteria and sweat buildup in check

Remember, prevention is easier than treatment. Build chafing care into your regular tennis prep and recovery.

Keep Playing Without the Burn

Your skin shouldn’t hold you back. By using the right gear and products, you can reduce friction while playing tennis and stay comfortable from serve to match point.

Whether you're training for a tournament or just playing for fun, tennis chafing prevention is key to staying in the game. Don’t wait for irritation to show up. Take care of your skin like you take care of your swing.

Quick Takeaways

• Chafing comes from friction and sweat two things tennis has plenty of
• Inner thighs and underarms are the most common trouble spots
• Wear moisture-wicking clothes and use anti-chafing cream before every match
• If you already have a rash, clean the area, apply soothing cream, and let it heal
• Look for products made for athletes and sensitive skin

FAQs

What causes tennis rash?

Tennis rash is usually caused by friction and moisture buildup in areas like the underarms and inner thighs. The repetitive motion and sweat create the perfect storm for irritation.

Can I still play tennis with a rash?

If the rash is mild, you might be able to play with extra protection. But if skin is broken or painful, it’s best to rest and treat it first.

What’s the best anti-chafing cream for athletes?

Look for long-lasting, sweat-resistant creams that are gentle on skin. Magnesium-based options, like those from MAGS Skin, are a great choice for both prevention and relief.

How do I prevent inner thigh rash from sports?

Wear compression shorts to reduce rubbing and apply a barrier cream before playing. Keep the area dry and clean after your match.

Are natural or chemical products better for chafing?

It depends on your skin. Many athletes prefer natural ingredients like magnesium because they’re gentle and less likely to irritate sensitive skin.