Finally, staying hydrated goes a long way to preventing chafing.
When you become dehydrated, your body emits more salt when you sweat and your skin becomes drier.
Drier skin facilitates increased friction and the additional salt increases skin aggravation.
By staying hydrated and drinking lots of water, you lower the salt content of your sweat.
This, in turn, lessens friction in those vulnerable areas.
Additionally, an abundance of fluid running through your body greatly assists in keeping your skin moisturized and elastic.
A good way to stay hydrated is to drink at least one to two cups of water before your hike.
Then drink at least one quart of water each hour.
Drinking fluids with carbohydrates and electrolytes at least once or twice a day can help you retain fluids better. Plus, it helps maintain energy levels.
Continue drinking even after you stop hiking for the day, especially if you’re on a multiday hike. Be sure to eat something with sodium and potassium with your evening meal. Foods like bananas, avocado, beans, spinach, and dried fruit are high in potassium.
And, rehydrating in the evening will ensure that you’re ready for the next day’s adventure.