Saddle sores and hair pulling

Hi,

I've read lots of postings on the topic of saddle sores as well as hair shaving, but nothing has really addressed my issue. So I registered in order to be able to post. Apologies for the TMI. I've started having a problem with getting a sore in my groin area on the hairy part adjacent to where my leg meets my groin. Sort of midway between the leg and the vaginal area. I'm used to getting some rubbing and chafing in the general area on rides that are longer than 40-50 miles, but this year anything over 15 miles causes the problem. I actually get a sore which sometimes is like a welt and other times actually has a depression in the middle of it. But it seems that while I'm riding the hairs that are in the area are getting pulled, which is stretching the skin and eventually causing a sore. So I did just try trimming the hairs. I'm not interested in shaving or waxing. Frankly I really can't see down there and I don't want to ask my hubby to do the job for me. I don't think it is an ingrown hair.

I slather on chamois butter, don't wear underwear and I'm wearing the same cycle shorts that haven't caused problems in the past. I usually apply balmex on days when I'm not riding but I've been trying to ride several days a week so there isn't enough time for healing.

So I'm not sure what to do. I have just ordered a different pair of shorts thinking maybe a different kind of padding will work better or maybe the pants are stretched out.

Has anyone experienced this problem and found a solution?

Welcome to the forums and sorry to hear about the hair issue.

I've had this happen to me when I didn't use enough chamois cream and was using a new saddle.

So first off, I would replace your shorts in case they are a little old. The elastic may be wearing down and things are shifting more while you ride. Perhaps not giving you enough coverage or support that you are used to having in them.

Secondly, I'd use more chamois cream. I really do love HooHaa Ride Glide. Way better than Glide or Chamois butter for me. I use more than I think I should and am quite pleased with things.

As long as nothing else has changed - weight, pedals, shoes, saddle - I think these are the 2 issues I'd shoot for.

Also keep in mind that heat/humidity might also be a factor on how your skin is holding up in the lady regions.

Hope some of this helps.

Denise

I was having a similar problem in almost the exact same spot. What resolved it for me was getting a new saddle (Fizik Arione) and investing in really high quality shorts (LG Neo). It may be that you're due a new saddle and/or new shorts.

I have had the hair pulling issue and I need to say clipped, I too do not want to wax or shave, this has helped. I just started with a chamios butter on my past ride.

Sounds like a new saddle is in order. Your saddle does not fit your body right or it wouldn't hurt so badly, hair or not.