Triathlon skin care: wetsuit chafe, blisters and road rash
Triathlon stacks three kinds of friction: the wetsuit collar on your neck, the saddle and tri suit on the bike, and wet feet straight into running shoes, often without socks. Add the risk of a crash and road rash, and your transition bag needs more than a bike pump.
Peak season in the US: April to October. · Updated
How do triathletes prevent chafing and blisters?
Triathletes protect the back of the neck and underarms from the wetsuit with anti-chafe film or a neoprene-safe lubricant, cover sockless-run hotspots with blister patches applied before the swim, and carry absorbent dressings for road rash.
Where it hurts: Triathlon
- 2Chest — nipple guards
- 3Underarms — anti-chafe film
- 4Inner thighs — anti-chafe film
- 5Heels — blister patches
- 6Toes — blister patches
STAGE 1
Training block
Protect hotspots during long runs and hard sessions so you reach the start line with healthy skin.
STAGE 2
Race day
Apply before the start. Everything is designed to stay on to the finish.
Anti-Chafe Film
Thin film for inner thighs, underarms and seams.
Launching January 2027
Nipple Guards
Thin covers that reduce shirt friction on long runs.
Launching January 2027
Blister Patches
Hydrocolloid cushions for heels, toes and the ball of the foot.
Launching January 2027
Sport Nasal Strips
Spring-band strips that open the nasal passages.
Launching January 2027STAGE 3
After the finish
Cover broken skin, protect blisters and scrapes while they heal.
Tips
Triathlon tips
- Put anti-chafe film on the back of the neck and under the arms before you put on the wetsuit.
- If you run sockless, patch known hotspots before the swim; they hold better on dry skin than in transition.
- Clean road rash with plenty of clean water and cover it with an absorbent dressing.
- Move to silicone scar sheets once the skin has fully closed.
Questions
How do I stop wetsuit chafing on my neck?
Check the wetsuit fits and close the collar flat so the edge doesn't fold. Cover the back of the neck with anti-chafe film or a lubricant labeled safe for neoprene or wetsuits. Apply to dry skin before you put the suit on.
How should I care for road rash after a crash?
Rinse thoroughly with clean water, remove grit, cover with an absorbent dressing and change it as it fills. Seek medical care for deep or very dirty wounds.
Triathlon guides
Skin
How to prevent chafing when running
What causes chafing in runners and triathletes, the areas most at risk, and how to prevent it with clothing, barrier products and anti-chafe film.
Recovery
Silicone scar sheets: how to use them
What international guidelines say about silicone gel sheeting for scars, when to start after road rash or surgery, how many hours to wear it and what results to expect.
Feet
How to prevent blisters when running
How to prevent blisters when running: why they form, how common they are in marathons and ultras, and the steps with the best evidence, from socks to tape.
Recovery
How to treat road rash
First aid for road rash after a bike crash, trail fall or obstacle race: cleaning, removing grit, keeping it moist and covered, tetanus timing and when to get medical care.
Buying guide
Best anti-chafe for running: balm vs film vs guards
Best anti-chafe for running and anti-chafe for marathon day: balms, petroleum jelly, film, nipple guards and clothing, and what works for each body area.