sensitive subject, sensitive area

I have a problem of a sensitive nature developing and I want to ask you more experienced cyclists for advice.

OK, the weather is getting warmer and my mileage is picking up, which is a very, very good thing. Cycling makes me really happy.

I switched from a Brooks saddle to a Terry liberator, non-gel, and my female parts have never been happier.....well, maybe it would be more accurate to say they've never been happier on the bike :cool:

I do have a developing problem I would like to nip in the bud, if I can. I'm developing a rash "down there". It is characterized by small pimples that look almost like the kind of rash you get from shaving. It's on both sides in the crook of my leg.

I do not use any chamois cream.

I am using clindamycin pads, the kind you use for acne, on the area after showering. I change right out of my cycling bottoms and wash them every time (everyone does that I'm sure) After cycling, I wear loose fitting pants instead of tight jeans.

Is there anything else I should do? Is the clindamycin a good idea, or not? I plan to ride lots this season, and I don't want any limitations because of this rash.

Colleen

So are you willing to try chamois cream? Might make a difference?

I use Bodyglide, on the chamois (not on me). I find this makes a big difference for me without being gloppy or messy.

Hi Kelownagirl! Nice to see you over here in these parts.

Regarding chamois cream, the reason I don't use it is because I was advised against it's use by a fellow cyclist who is a nurse midwife, an expert in the area of female anatomy. She told me it is not advised for women because it leads to urinary tract infections.

Wouldn't that just clog the pores up even more? I dunno, I'm asking. I am going for a 50 mile ride tomorrow, I can try it and see how it works. If it makes it worse, well I will have learned something.

Colleen

It never gave me an infection, i use it whenever i ride more than 20 miles.

So this developed after you ditched the Brooks?

i had the same problem, but mine came from when i would bike right after shaving. so i would shave on my off days and it cleared up the problem. not sure if yours happens all the time or just on occasion like mine. i also noticed if i used shaving cream it helped also. didn't get the bumps.

Maybe zinc oxyde cream, i.e. Zincofax, aka diaper cream?

In the summer when I ride a lot in very hot weather (or in the rain) I do get redness and rawness, and it pretty much solves the problem, for much cheaper than Chamois Butt'r.

If it looks the same as irritation from shaving, you could try this.

I get terrible irritation after shaving and had a woman who did a Brazilian wax for me recommended the process below.

After you shower or clean the area, put some Sea Breeze Astringent on a cotton ball and clean the area. Once that dries a little, put on a light coating of baby powder. Do it in the morning and in the evening.

I did that after I got waxed and it worked really well. I do this after I shave the area and it works wonders! No more red bumps!

The Sea Breeze is a strong toner and really cleans the pores out well. It is alcohol based w/ peppermint oil, so I would only recommend this if you're getting the irritation on the skin around the area, it definitely gives the skin a cool sensation. The baby powder helps make the skin soft and smooth, reducing friction from panties, etc.

If you're increasing miles, if could be that you have sensitive skin and you're getting clogged pores. When my sister started riding, she got a bad pimple in the nether regions. Something like I listed above could help get the area extra clean.

Other than that, I would say maybe try a chamois cream. I personally do not use one, but haven't heard anything negative about them

I would go back to the brooks. Really, back up. Why didn't you like the brooks? Perhaps it was just an poorly adjusted I find on my brooks finesse if I level the nose, so the rear is a bit higher, I am much more comfortable and don't get any chafing like I did on my terry butterfly (and like it sounds you are now getting on your liberator). BTW, I use chamois butter.

Hmmm, the rash developed after I switched from the Brooks to the Liberator, yes, Mimi. But it's also coincided w/the nicer weather and more riding time.

I stopped using the Brooks because I was getting chafing in front on the female parts. I tipped it down, moved it around the rails, yet still I would get this problem. At least that part is better on the Liberator.

I was just cleaning up the Brooks to send it back under the 6 month money back warranty. As I was wiping it down, I notice it's got a couple scuffs from my perfunctory "new to clipless" slow speed falls, and I feel a little uneasy about returning it after abusing it, as such. I try to put myself in the place of the proprietor.

Now I'm wondering if I should just back up a bit as Treskeliongirl suggests.

Also will try the astringent suggestions and zinc based ointment in the area. I'll try it one at a time, to see what works.

Thank you so much for your replies!

Colleen

Maybe if you went back to the brooks, and used chamois butter you would be OK. I have never gotten any kind of infection from it. You can order it on TE. If chafing is the problem, a lubricant such as chamois butter should help. Good hygeine, changing out of your shorts immediately after the ride, and always use a fresh pair are good ideas too, as is being sure you are using good quality shorts with a pad that is comfortable for you.

Note- Since I ride a recumbent, I wear underwear and regular shorts.
I notice problems when I wear cotton underwear and am much happier in silk and/or "coolmax" or similar - so what are your shorts made out of? Maybe a different pair of shorts and/or chamois construction might help.

hey momof4greatkids,
I have the exact same problem and it took me a while to figure out how to solve the problem. For me, I have a verys sensitive bikini line, even when shaving:mad: , so for me, part of solving this painful problem is using a lubricant, like a chamois cream. I did a little research into which I preferred and I suggest you do the same. Everyone's different. I haven't had any infections or problems from the chamois cream as well.
Also, when you buy new bike shorts, make sure that the chamois is appropriate for your riding and is in the right "area". That can help with comfort.
And, for me, on long rides, I find that not shaving my bikini line helped a little too.
Hope these suggestions will relieve you from this painful problem and happy riding!

If the Brooks is rubbing your genitals no matter how you position it, then I don't think it's going to magically get better. It sounds like it's not the right saddle to support you in a way that keeps you from bearing weight in the wrong places.

Hey Momof4...

I JUST put a terry liberator on my saddle on Saturday and noticed that I had no pressure on the girlie parts, thank god. the downside is that I felt my thighs brushing against the seat...something I didn't experience with the stock seat on my Bianchi (I changed seats b/c the Bianchi gave me pressure problems). Anyway, I used chamois Butt'r and it helped a bit, but I looked down in my shower to notice tiny red bumps, and I realized I had shaved the day before.

I would be curious to know if anyone has used the mens Liberator...seems to be thinner in the nose area.

Maybe neither saddle is right for you. If you are sure the Brooks is wrong for you, maybe you need something with a cut-out, but a narrower nose than the Liberator (in addition to some chamois butter). The thigh rubbing also comes when the shape of the saddle is such that there is too gradual a transition from nose to rear. Maybe you need to go to a store where you can look at the saddles, choose one with a sharp not gradual transition (i.e. not much saddle around the thigh area), narrow nose, cut-out, but wide enough in the rear to support your sit bones.

If i were you I would just try some sort of lubricating cream or ointment when riding instead of changing from saddle to saddle. A cream will definitely reduce chafing and friction. You said you were experiencing chafing.
I believe urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria getting into the urethra, and I find it odd to say that an ointment in the general area would cause such infections. Good diet, keeping the urethra area clean and peeing regularly is the usual advice to prevent urinary infections.

The Brooks saddle also bothered me greatly. I switched to a Terry Firefly (?). I also use Butt'r religiously. It's never done anything but help, especially on long rides.
Clindomyacin is for folliculitis; although the bumps you have may look like that, it's most likely something else. I would try the chamois creme before getting rid of the saddle.

I have the liberator saddle on my bike, and I find if I don't use chamois cream on the longer rides i become "irritated" where the crease is of my thigh buttock area. I also shave and have to avoid shaving before going on longer rides which has also helped. But i swear by the chamois butt'r offered here. Also makes a difference on what type of chamois is in the shorts for me also. I've ditched the soft non formed piece of material to chamois that are different in thicknesses. All of the combinations for me has helped. But the butt'r is heaven. I've used it for a year now faithfully, no UTI's for me. But I apply to the outer labia and buttock area only.

I use Jason Tea Tree Gel http://vitanetonline.com/description.../Tea-Tree-Gel/
for the red bumps I get in sensitive places....this would be after your shower instead of the astringent you are using now....I find it very soothing and it's made with natural ingredients.

I wax, not shave, and must always plan the wax for at least one full day before a ride of any length.

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LBTC

I use Jason Tea Tree Gel http://vitanetonline.com/description.../Tea-Tree-Gel/
for the red bumps I get in sensitive places....this would be after your shower instead of the astringent you are using now....I find it very soothing and it's made with natural ingredients.

~T~

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Thanks for the tip! As I run out of products, I've been replacing them with more natural and I will soon need a replacement. I know a store right near me carries this brand so I'll be sure to check it out!

I ride horses in 50 and 100 mile races as well as biking, and I have found a product that seems to keep my nether regions free from sensitive spots and rash. I shave and found that it helps clear up the bumps I first associated with that also. It is called Badger Balm, and the kind I use is Ginger and Lemon. It comes in a little round tin and fits in your pack or pocket and just goes on like a gel- is not oily or gunky at all. It can be found in the natural foods section of grocery stores, or in sports stores. Around here we call it "Beaver Balm":D !!!

Laura

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lizbids

Hey Momof4...

I JUST put a terry liberator on my saddle on Saturday and noticed that I had no pressure on the girlie parts, thank god. the downside is that I felt my thighs brushing against the seat...something I didn't experience with the stock seat on my Bianchi .

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I had the exact same problem with the Liberator. The constant brushing sensation of my thighs to the seat drove me crazy within a few min. I sent it back and now ride a Men's Fly. I keep thinking that maybe a woman's fly would be more suited to me b/c of wsd but.. I'm also of the mind, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. DH is eyeing it closely though.....

I don't know if one can say definatively that it's the saddle, the cream or the shaving that will resolve the problem. I think it'll have to be a trial and error sorta thang.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by horsemom

I ride horses in 50 and 100 mile races as well as biking, and I have found a product that seems to keep my nether regions free from sensitive spots and rash. I shave and found that it helps clear up the bumps I first associated with that also. It is called Badger Balm, and the kind I use is Ginger and Lemon. It comes in a little round tin and fits in your pack or pocket and just goes on like a gel- is not oily or gunky at all. It can be found in the natural foods section of grocery stores, or in sports stores. Around here we call it "Beaver Balm":D !!!

Laura

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I'm not sure I'll look at my Ginger and Lemon Badger Balm (which *I* use as lip balm....) in quite the same way again:eek: :eek: :eek:

I bet the healing balm would do wonders, seriously. It has essential oils, which they say have antibacterial properties (and it's worked well on cuts and rashes when I've tried it).

Hey Ca_in_NC - lips are lips!!! (OK, can't believe I said that...) But really, it keeps the bumpies away! I put it on my face around my eyes when I will be out in really cold or windy weather also. Smells a little strange, I think, but it works!

Laura

Hmm, it's tough because 2 things have changed at once. Might be the saddle, or it might be more mileage in warmer weather. It does bear some suspicious resemblance to a heat-rash.

I use chamois cream or butter religiously with no infection problems, and I ride a lot. So I would try some.

Do you have more than one maker's shorts to wear? I get a similar rash from some makers' shorts, seems to be certain materials irritate my skin when I sweat. The more I sweat, the worse it gets. I cannot wear Sugoi or Shebeest for this reason. I seem to have less of a problem in shorts with a higher lycra content. I would also look at the design of your shorts, and the weight of the fabric. The heavier shorts are frequently made with fewer panels, which can bunch in that area when you sit & pedal. Another reason I avoid certain makers, as this bunching area is where I get pools of sweat that turn into a rash.

Good topic on a great site (I find this is great, no males (I think!) sticking in their lewd comments!! - anyway, I find bodyglide is great. Had a pair of shorts that chaffed after about 50kms to the point of making me red raw -at one point it was so bad I took my arm warmers off and tucked them down my dacks;) Bodyglide helped and so did losing some weight :eek:

I find some of the 'women's specific' shorts can actually have a chamios that is too short in the front. Regrowth from a wax or brazillian is pretty horrible and I have to remember to loofah and moisturize (or just let it grow:cool: )

Sounds like some great suggestions here.

Fantastic comments, and as Midlife said, it's nice to be able to discuss a sensitive subject among females only (i hope!)

I rode 50 miles yesterday (my longest distance so far) What a fantastic spring day we had, too, perfect in every way, including a nice tailwind on the way back!

I'm really happy w/the Liberator saddle, no discomfort in the front like I had w/the Brooks. Sure there was some numbness, but not the unbearable chafing on the female parts like I experienced (albeit intermittently) w/the Brooks.

I used a zinc based ointment on the involved area only, and refrained from shaving for a day before. The rash is much better and I think the problem, at least for now, is resolved for me.

I was wearing Terry knickers, which I like, a lot.

Colleen

Quote:

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Originally Posted by momof4greatkids

Hi Kelownagirl! Nice to see you over here in these parts.

Regarding chamois cream, the reason I don't use it is because I was advised against it's use by a fellow cyclist who is a nurse midwife, an expert in the area of female anatomy. She told me it is not advised for women because it leads to urinary tract infections.

Wouldn't that just clog the pores up even more? I dunno, I'm asking. I am going for a 50 mile ride tomorrow, I can try it and see how it works. If it makes it worse, well I will have learned something.

Colleen

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I've been using Assos chamois cream for three years and have never had a UTI.