Cysts in the nether regions!

[RoadRaven]

uhm.... ok... so dumb question... when you say cyst... do you mean like a pimple? that if you sqeeze it... gook comes out? or is it something else?

A cyst is more deep seated - it doesn't have a head to it like a pimple/pimple-like infection would have. It will feel like a lump under the skin - like a small ball-bearing but some get as big as a golf ball.



Shaving or waxing both can lead to more in-grown hairs - it is better to trim (like Bikerchick or myself) if you don't like the long hairs. As hairs grow back from shaving or waxing, they can curl back on themselves (particularly in the nether regions where hairs are curly anyways...)

Most cyclists who shave their legs will suggest you do not shave above the shorts line.

[Dianyla]

I highly recommend laser hair removal. I struggled for years with crotch acne and ingrowns and this has essentially resolved my problems in that department. I'm not that hairy but the hairs I do (did) have are extremely coarse and they are very prone to becoming ingrown. Also my skin is more sensitive than most. You know, I don't think there's anything worse in the world than an ingrown cyst in your buttcrack.

Shaving closely always caused ingrowns/cysts for me, no matter how carefully I did it and how religiously I exfoliated. Waxing and epilatory creams - ten times worse than shaving. Before I had lasering done the best technique was trimming them down to 1/8-1/4", which is stubbly and not that great.

It wasn't cheap but it wasn't horribly expensive either. When I had it done a few years ago it was about $200 per treatment, five treatments total spaced out over a year. I basically looked at it as $100 per month and paid along the way. I went for the full brazilian treatment to get the "junk in the trunk" but still left plenty of "decoration shrubbery" in the front because I didn't want a permanent pr0nstar look.

[shigatsu1179]

Thanks for all the input. To respond to caligurl...it is not like a pimple. It is deep below the surface and hard, just like RoadRaven stated. Mine never come to the surface. I stopped shaving the area months ago and have just kept it trim, which had helped a lot, but it certainly didn't resolve the problem. I may try that suggestion of soaking in a tub periodically and exfoliating. Thanks ladies!

[laughlaugh18]

I'm having the same problem as shigatsu - hard deep bump, which I actually got the first time even before I started riding last year. To make matters worse, mine's right along my pantie line when I'm in street clothes, which makes the whole "keep it dry and don't irritate it" thing sort of impossible.

I searched the forum and found this thread to be really helpful.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...ht=saddle+sore

Specifically, there was one tip about protecting the bump with a Dr. Scholls Corn Protector (see the original poster's tips and cautions!). I tried it on my ride this morning, and used double my usual amount of Bag Balm, and it all seemed to help.

Unfortunately, I can't go out in the world nekkid (not a pretty option ), and I can't just sit home all day with my legs spreadeagle to keep things "aired out" until the bump subsides. So, I used another Dr. Scholls under my underwear today, and I've been pretty comfortable. I put a bit of neosporin on the bump before I covered it up, too, since that seems to help make it reduce faster.

The type of Dr. Scholl's corn cushion I got is called "Cushlin Gel" - it's this nice soft squishy gell which feels better than the normal foam one (yeah, I tried that first).

Thanks to everyone for the tips and ideas.

Cathy (P.S. make sure you take the thing off, slowly and carefully, with lubrication . . or OUCH!!)

[VenusdeVelo]

I have had some problems more in the winter in Spinning, where you don't get the "aeration" you do on the road outside. My derm suggested a powder called "Zeosorb", you can get it at Walgreens but have to ask the pharmacist. It is a highly absorbent powder, much higher than baby or corn starch powder. It basically keeps the perspiration from cauzing havoc or creating rashes. Works well for me, I use it everytime I ride if I remember. Also good anytime on hot summer days.

They also make a miconazole version if you are prone to athletes foots, etc.

[Gowest]

The problem is due to the hair follicle becoming infected - the hair follicle is a portal to the root area of the hair - where the cyst is occurring. The best way to reduce the occurrence of this is to permanently remove the hair with laser hair removal. Waxing is only temporary - as it rips out the follicle - which eventually regrows - the "healing process" after waxing causes increased blood flow to the area - and some believe worse problems in the long run. I don't know, as I have never waxed. Owwwie.

Yes, laser is expensive - but well worth it in the long run. Yes, it also is painful - but there are topical prescriptions (emla) that your doctor can give you to numb the area one hour prior to your treatment.

Ask around for a referral if you are considering laser - not all are the same - and if you have dark-pigmented skin - the laser may be less effective - as the laser "targets" the dark follicle as opposed to your "white" skin - if you have a tan or a darker complexion - the laser is not as effective. The darker and coarser your hair and the lighter your skin - the better it works.

Hope this helps.