6 August 2009
Gear Guy Says to Avoid Crotch Rot
Posted by admin under: Equipment .
Sounds like good advice to me. It was prompted by a question I am unfortunately familiar with. Not some sort of fungal problem, but good, old-fashioned chafing while hiking. The Boys’ Life Gear Guy has some advice, a little pricey, but welcome if this is an issue for a boy. Usually kids don’t want to talk about this stuff so I’m glad Gear Guy put it in his column. Hey, you’ve got to talk about the problems that happen and how to fix them. Avoiding the subject just makes people say no to going hiking.
Q. My troop just went on a weekend camp-out. After we climbed this big hill, I started chafing in my groin area. It itched so bad, it was really uncomfortable. My friends were making fun of me because I was adjusting my underwear all weekend. How do I prevent chafing?
– Chafed Chad, Belleville, Kan.
A. Ahhh, crotch rot! Don’t worry, Chad, you’re not alone. Even if your buddies don’t admit it, every guy has (or will have) problems with this. Chafing is often caused by poorly fitting clothes and/or sweating. So, wear a good pair of underwear that wicks sweat away from your body. Some guys prefer tight-fitting boxers that cover the inner thighs so there’s no skin-to-skin rubbing. In this case, something like the Under Armor HeatGear Boxer Jock ($20; www.underarmour.com) would be good. For a looser fit, try Patagonia’s Active Classic boxers ($32; www.patagonia.com). That might seem expensive for underwear, but if you avoid chafing, it’s worth it.
Once on the trail, make sure to keep your body dry. Bring some baby powder with you. Just dump a handful into your palm then stick your hand in your pants and coat it all. Don’t skimp on the stuff. This powder will keep you dry and should soothe any chafing hot spots.
I found the cheap boxer briefs made by Hanes or Fruit of the Loom work fine for me, but they aren’t wicking material so those long, hot hikes will still be an issue, but since I switched I haven’t really had any problems. I guess I’m just not the kind of guy who’s ready to shell out twenty or thirty dollars for a single pair of underwear. I mean, I know the boy tradition is to wear the same underwear all week long, but I have this old habit of changing every day so I’m not going to spend over $100 to remain comfy at camp. I might start bringing a little baby powder, though, just in case one of the guys starts walking like an old cowboy. 
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2 Comments so far...
Walter Underwood Says:
6 August 2009 at 12:04 pm.
Body Glide is great to reduce chafing, even after you already have the problem (which is the only time the boys notice it). I’m thinking of taking a small stick along in the first aid kit for our 50 miler next week.
The other source of crotch rot is not washing. That is easier to fix.
Dan - Scouting News Says:
6 August 2009 at 7:26 pm.
I’m a fan of the boxer briefs so I don’t usually have a chaffing problem.
From my High School marching band and camp staff days to a few weeks ago in Iraq I am a big fan of Gold Bond advanced body powder! Never thought baby powder cut it. Also there is a product called “Monkey Butt” which while funny is not very effective. Just be ready for a cooling effect!
