sore spots?

[lenox]

hi...seem to have some sore spots down below after 2 long days on riding (80 miles each day). have been riding for about a year, all 50+mile rides and this has not happened before. have a terry butterfly which is/has been comfortable. wore PI's both days. and used chamois cream (assos). just a few bumps near the creases of my legs. are these saddle sores? any suggestions on what to do next time? better/different shorts or chamois butter? thanks!

[OakLeaf]

Just little pimples in the crease where your *$$ meets your leg? They're just pimples - compression blocks the pores, and that area is exposed to a lot of bacteria. Plus, when you're not riding, that's generally where the elastic of your underwear falls, so the pores still can't breathe. They can develop into saddle sores if left untreated. Clean the area really well before and after every ride (wipe with alcohol swab if you can't get to a shower right away, which will help with drying also), and get some antibiotic ointment on any pimples that do develop. When you're not riding, try wearing thong underwear or men's boxer briefs if they fit you - something that doesn't have elastic right there.

[lenox]

thanks for the help. should i be wearing shorts with more or less chamois? would that make any difference?

[OakLeaf]

Probably not. If you're not getting chafing on your soft tissue or a bruised feeling on your sitbones, your chamois is probably fine.

Some shorts advertise chamois that has antibacterial properties, and those might help with the problem you're having. But for myself, I'm strongly against the carpet-bombing approach to bacteria. It seems like every day we learn about another way that we're paying for that approach, with more resistant bacteria, less beneficial flora, and more compromised immune systems (more allergies, more autoimmune disorders, more cancers).

Especially since you only got the bumps after an unaccustomed long stint in the saddle, if it was me (and actually right now it is me, too ) I'd just treat them and not worry about it.