Skin breakouts from heart rate monitor strap?

[miffy'sFuji]

Might you be allergic to the material used in the band? My skin is very sensitive to some things and I would have a reaction similar to what you describe from any type of wool and from some synthetic fabrics.

I got little red itchy bumps on my forehead from my helmet. I read up on acne mechanica and employed the tips this page suggests...

sports acne

but it sounds like you are already doing everything preventive.

[Steph_in_TX]

I use the softer Polar strap and I get the same rash. I haven't used my hard strap in a long time so I can't say if it also causes this issue, though it didn't in the past. However, I'll admit I'm lazy and don't wash it after each use. Once I wash it, I'm generally rash free. Sometimes, I'll still notice some red bumps, but they don't really itch and go away quickly.

I've got the Polar bra and it doesn't work for me. At least, not for the purpose intended...as a boob holder, it's great, but the band intended to hold the strap doesn't hold it tight enough against me to pick up my heart rate.

Ok, so I have no real solution for you. Just wanted you to know it happens to me, too.

[pkq]

Don't have that problem but my skin isn't that sensitive unless it's undies washed in Cheer or Tide near the nether regions. Ouch!

I like this stuff.........

[RoadRaven]

How about putting the cream you would use for your nethers onto the line where the HRM strap sits, BEFORE you ride...

Then the Vit A or E creams afterwards if still needed...

Good luck

[VenusdeVelo]

Also try a high strength cortisone cream and see if that works (I use Cortaid). I get this alot from my HRM strap, on my chest from contact with sweaty clothes after a ride, and also from my (helmet) chin straps on my jaw. I have found the cort cream to be the only thing that works for me but you have to keep using it....

[Dianyla]

Thank you all for your input. I am going to conduct a few experiments. The first one I am doing today is that I put some miconazole (anti-yeast) cream under just one boob and not under the other.

[mommelisa]

Dianyla - I don't know about a rash, but I get pretty yucky chafe under my HR strap - I have the older kind as well as the new polar one, and they both give me chafe. I've started putting body glide around the entire area where the strap touches skin, and its really helped. Good luck, I hope you find something to clear it up.