sensitive subject, sensitive area

[momof4greatkids]

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

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

[kelownagirl]

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

[VeloVT]

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

[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

[mimitabby]

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

So this developed after you ditched the Brooks?

[chickwhorips]

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.

[Grog]

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.

[SalsaMTB]

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

[Triskeliongirl]

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.

[Derf]

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

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

[koala]

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.

[midlife]

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

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 )

Sounds like some great suggestions here.

[momof4greatkids]

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