my crotch has been injured from riding

[beccaB]

Back in the 80's it seems to me, that every time I went in the bike store the chamois shorts had real chamois in them, meaning the kind of sheepskin that comes from real sheep. I haven't seen any of those recently, and I wonder if it would help? I don't even know if those are made anymore, or if it would be prohibitively expensive. It seems like a natural material would alleviate some female issues. Also, I try to not get any soap directly onto that area when I shower, just because it might get irritating. I did a century yesterday, and I used chamois buttr for the first time. I think I am probably less chafed than I might have been, but I still fell like someone dragged me through the sand! Not on any real important parts, but where my underwear seams are hitting it today.

[OakLeaf]

There's a reason they don't use natural chamois any more, and it's not just the painstaking care it requires. That stuff was awful for chafing.

Shorts designed for indoor cycling usually have a pretty minimalist chamois. I really like my ancient Terry shorts with the fuzzy cloth pad. Lots of people prefer "spinning" shorts for their outdoor rides, too - the only drawback is that the inseams tend to be shorter, too.

[tulip]

I spent years in wool cycling shorts with real chamois. It was horrible. The chamois dries out and feels like cardboard covered with sandpaper. It takes alot of care to keep it supple and I can't remember what I did nor didn't do, but the result was terrible.

Like everybody else said: Cleanliness (but don't use antibacterial soaps and don't overwash), getting out of your shorts right away, and having a the right fit and right saddle are the most important. Also stay away from sugar (hard one for me, as I have a huge sweet tooth), drink lots of water, not just sports drinks, and of course general very good nutrition.

[Dogmama]

I spent years in wool cycling shorts with real chamois. It was horrible. The chamois dries out and feels like cardboard covered with sandpaper. It takes alot of care to keep it supple and I can't remember what I did nor didn't do, but the result was terrible.

Oh man - I remember the "real chamois." I never could get it supple again. Horrible. And they were men's shorts because that's all I could find. We're talking B.I. (before internet) when I had to rely on my LBS - run by adolescents would sneer when I walked in. Also used men's shoes because you couldn't find women's shoes.

And now we have T.E. - who'da thunk it?

[WindingRoad]

I too realize this thread is a little old now but I have a suggestion to anyone with this problem that is a homeopathic remedy. If you take a small spray bottle and put water (a cup and a half) and about a teaspoon of tea tree oil in it, shake it and spray it on your girl stuff before, after whenever you feel that nagging tingling or itching feeling. It will help and it is a natural antiseptic so it keeps things from getting irritated.

[cylegoddess]

Yeah that tea tree works really well, as good as vinegar!
Oh and nest shorts in WORLD - skins womens cycling ones.