With all of the first aid information in the various Cub Scout and Scouts BSA handbooks, I never come across much information about the one problem we see most frequently at summer camp. I am, of course, talking about the prevention and treatment of chafing at camp.
Here in the hot, humid Midwest, most leaders know that when they see a boy walking around camp with a funny gait, that a chafing problem has developed. Many young men are uncomfortable discussing the problem with a leader, so I always recommend that parents discuss prevention and treatment with their sons before they go to camp.
Prevention and Treatment of Chafing at Camp
Causes of Chafing
Clothes which don’t fit correctly rub against your skin.
Dampness due to sweating or damp clothing exacerbates the problem.
Prevention of Chafing
Don’t spend the entire day in a damp swimsuit.
Change to dry clothes when the aquatics activities are over.
Wear some properly fitted boxer briefs.
Treatment of Chafing
Apply cornstarch or baby powder to the affected areas. Gold Bond works well.
There are also commercial products which come in a stick form which can be applied.
A thin layer of petroleum jelly applied to the effected area can also help.
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