Butter Question

[Meaux]

I have a rather...ahem...personal question. I was told that it is very important to use some sort of chamois cream when riding long distances, however, I have a very sensitive "area" (meaning I am very prone to UTI's and yeast infections"). Can using chamois butter irritate this area? DH and I bought a few of the one time use things of Chamois Butt'r, but before I slather it on and hop on the bike, I want to make sure the cream will make the ride more pleasant, not make me want to turn around and cry. Does anyone have any experience with this? Is there one product that's better for this than another? Please help as we have a long ride on Saturday morning. Thanks, ladies.

[suzieqtwa]

I haven't had a yeast infection in years ,but I got one when I started riding long distances. Not sure if this is the right answer ,but I bought some Monistat cream ,and used it the night before a long ride...it seems to work ,but I'm not sure if that is the right thing to do...Oh, I also use the Butt'r ,and I haven't had a problem. I'm sure someone else will have a different answer. Good luck

[emily_in_nc]

I only use chamois butt'r along the creases between my inner thighs and groin area and a bit on the outer labia; not anywhere on or inside the sensitive inner labia (though I know some on this board who do use it there). For me it just prevents the rubbing on the outside where I tend to get road rash -- I ride a saddle with a cut-out to prevent pressure on the girly bits so don't need to "butt'r" those areas up! If you're nervous, just use it where I've mentioned, not in the center, and you'll certainly be safe with it!

Emily

[Kimmyt]

I don't use any butter for long rides.... maybe if I had to do a double century or something I would consider, but up to 100 miles I don't get any rash, just a bit of pressure sensitivity which cream or butter won't really help...

[mimitabby]

when women reach menopause the natural lube seems to go away so for protection on long rides, chamois butter really helps.
I wouldn't put it anywhere that would cause an infection.

[SouthernBelle]

Something I've been meaning to post about. I'm post-menopausal which causes dryness and irritation, esp when I ride. I did a little research and have recently started using a cream with teatree oil. the oil is a natural anti-inflammatory and is also a fungicide. I love this stuff. I plan on investing in a teatree oil soap too. This is more of an after ride thing, so I'm not saying not to use a butter. But I've been meaning to pass this info along.

[Aggie_Ama]

I have a rather...ahem...personal question. I was told that it is very important to use some sort of chamois cream when riding long distances, however, I have a very sensitive "area" (meaning I am very prone to UTI's and yeast infections"). Can using chamois butter irritate this area? DH and I bought a few of the one time use things of Chamois Butt'r, but before I slather it on and hop on the bike, I want to make sure the cream will make the ride more pleasant, not make me want to turn around and cry. Does anyone have any experience with this? Is there one product that's better for this than another? Please help as we have a long ride on Saturday morning. Thanks, ladies.

Have you ever had a problem with chafing/saddle sores or are you just hearing you should? I am from the camp of no cream. My saddle has a cut out, which relieves pressure to the most sensitive parts. Now that I am a little chubbier than I like my thighs are lightly chafed. But I take care of those with Aveno lotion when I get home.

[Meaux]

I have heard that it's a good idea to use it. No problems on the tushy, other than a little numbness and soreness on the sit bones. (We're taking the bikes to get fitted tonight, ladies!!) But I just heard it was advisable to use chamois cream to prevent saddle sores on long long rides (i.e. the MS150). But, again, I'm just worried about using it, because I want no irritation. Does it spread as you sweat? (Sorry if I'm being gross, I don't know who else to ask. I can't imagine asking some bike guy at an LBS. ) Is it like a lotion that you rub in, or does it stay outside the skin as an extra layer?

[Offthegrid]

I would stay away from using Monistat as a preventative measure. You could be breeding resistance.

The chamois butt'r is like a very thin lotion. It is not a heavy lubricant. I could almost imagine using it as hand lotion. It's light and comes off easily. I haven't had UTIs or yeast problems from riding, but best way to prevent is to pee and shower right after riding.

[aicabsolut]

I haven't used any of the butt'rs yet because I haven't done really long rides. At the worst, I'd put something protective like triple antibiotic ointment on the creases by my inner thighs where I can get some chafing.

As for witch hazel and tea tree oil, all that comes to mind is *burning*.. nothing pleasant. Like when you use a muscle rub on your thighs and the vapors get a little too close for comfort.

[withm]

I have very sensitive skin and tons of allergies, esp to anything with perfume in it.

I have used Chamois Buttr for nearly every ride. I put it "all over" esp at the creases. It is magic stuff. Never a problem. If I am only doing a 10 mile ride I won't bother, but it is worth twice the price as far as I'm concerned. If I forget to bring it I will start feeling irritation after about an hour. So not only do I really make an effort to remember to apply it before a ride, I also keep a couple of sandwich baggies with a squirt of chamois butter in the corner, all rolled up in my handlebar bag should I need to reapply on a long ride, or if I wipe too much away on a pit stop. The baggie method is great - just turn it inside out and the baggie becomes your applicator, so you have clean hands afterward. When done, just turn it back inside out and throw away, or put in your pocket to throw when you get to a trash can. Typically I'll make up a bunch of these at a time, so I always have some handy. Much cheaper than buying the "individual servings." And very handy if you are commuting to work.

[Wahine]

I used to have frequent UTIs but I solved that problem before I started riding a lot. It came down to not letting myself get dehydrated, not hanging out in wet swim suits etc, peeing immediately after having sex and drinking cranberry juice regularly.

Since I've been riding long, I have been using chamois butt'r and no problems. I am quite liberal with application. But also still observe the guidelines above, don't get dehydrated, pee right after a ride and get out of my shorts immediately.

Withm: thanks for the tip on homemade individual packs, I will put that to good use!!