Do you know the feeling? You are out and about all day, wearing your favourite dress, rushing to catch the train, running errands – and in the evening you notice: The skin between your thighs is burning, it itches under your breast, or it feels sore around your stomach.
This phenomenon even has a medical name: intertrigo.

You are not alone. Skin-on-skin friction affects many people – even if it is rarely talked about openly. Yet there are very simple ways to protect your skin – gentle, effective and suitable for everyday life.

What is intertrigo?

You may never have heard the term – but you have certainly experienced it: When skin rubs against skin, it quickly becomes red, itchy or feels sore. This phenomenon is called intertrigo.

Friction occurs wherever skin meets skin – especially:

when walking or going for a stroll, e.g. on the thighs
under the breast, especially with a larger bust
in skin folds, e.g. on the stomach, back or under the arms
during sport or when gardening
on hot summer days, when we sweat
in the office, after sitting for a long time
or at night, when we sweat and move in our sleep

Often you only notice it when you have an unpleasant skin sensation: The skin is red, irritated or even chafed raw.

What to do for intertrigo? – The best tips

If you notice your skin starting to rub or become sore, you can do something right away:

1. Clothing that supports you

Choose soft, breathable clothing without hard seams. Many people swear by cycling shorts or anti-chafing shorts under dresses and skirts. They protect the skin discreetly – and keep you mobile, whether you are out for a walk or strolling around town.

2. Care that protects

Use a protective ointment such as ilon Protect before you leave the house. Especially in sensitive areas – e.g. between the thighs, under the breast or in skin folds. Important: The products should be breathable.

3. Keep things dry – but gently

After showering: always dry skin folds thoroughly, ideally by gently patting, not rubbing. If needed, a hairdryer on a cool setting helps – pleasant and thorough.

Why skin chafing is more common with excess weight – and what you can do about it

When skin meets skin, it can quickly become uncomfortable – especially for people with a higher body weight. This is because areas of skin often lie closer together and rub directly against each other when walking, sitting or exercising. If heat or moisture in skin folds is added, the skin becomes particularly sensitive.

Red apple with the text BMI and a measuring tape in front of a background of fruit and vegetables, diet and healthy weight concept

The good news: There is a lot you can do to protect your skin and feel better all round. Breathable clothing, gentle cleansing and targeted care with products such as ilon Protect strengthen the skin barrier and noticeably reduce friction.

You can also support your skin from within: A balanced diet helps improve overall skin comfort. This is not about pressure or numbers on the scales – it is about your personal wellbeing. Because when you feel comfortable in your own skin, you are doing something good for yourself.

✨ Just 5–10% less body weight can significantly reduce the strain on your skin!

Why do thighs rub – even if you are slim?

Friction is not primarily caused by body weight, but by individual body shape and anatomy. Many women – regardless of BMI – have a natural leg position and pelvic shape that causes the inner thighs to touch when walking. Heat and sweat make the skin moist and therefore more prone to friction. This can quickly lead to unpleasant chafing. Especially in summer, when dresses, skirts or shorts are worn more often, the protective fabric between the thighs is often missing – and that is exactly when skin-on-skin contact quickly becomes a problem.

Friction is not a taboo. It is completely normal.

Honestly: Everyone has areas of skin that are more sensitive – whether tall, slim, sporty or not. It has nothing to do with hygiene or appearance – it is simply about movement, sweat and body shape.

The most important thing is to take good care of yourself. If you are prepared, you protect your skin – and give yourself a little more ease in everyday life.