sensitive subject, sensitive area

[momof4greatkids]

I have a problem of a sensitive nature developing and I want to ask you more experienced cyclists for advice.

OK, the weather is getting warmer and my mileage is picking up, which is a very, very good thing. Cycling makes me really happy.

I switched from a Brooks saddle to a Terry liberator, non-gel, and my female parts have never been happier.....well, maybe it would be more accurate to say they've never been happier on the bike

I do have a developing problem I would like to nip in the bud, if I can. I'm developing a rash "down there". It is characterized by small pimples that look almost like the kind of rash you get from shaving. It's on both sides in the crook of my leg.

I do not use any chamois cream.

I am using clindamycin pads, the kind you use for acne, on the area after showering. I change right out of my cycling bottoms and wash them every time (everyone does that I'm sure) After cycling, I wear loose fitting pants instead of tight jeans.

Is there anything else I should do? Is the clindamycin a good idea, or not? I plan to ride lots this season, and I don't want any limitations because of this rash.

Colleen

[kelownagirl]

So are you willing to try chamois cream? Might make a difference?

[VeloVT]

I use Bodyglide, on the chamois (not on me). I find this makes a big difference for me without being gloppy or messy.

[momof4greatkids]

Hi Kelownagirl! Nice to see you over here in these parts.

Regarding chamois cream, the reason I don't use it is because I was advised against it's use by a fellow cyclist who is a nurse midwife, an expert in the area of female anatomy. She told me it is not advised for women because it leads to urinary tract infections.

Wouldn't that just clog the pores up even more? I dunno, I'm asking. I am going for a 50 mile ride tomorrow, I can try it and see how it works. If it makes it worse, well I will have learned something.

Colleen

[mimitabby]

It never gave me an infection, i use it whenever i ride more than 20 miles.

So this developed after you ditched the Brooks?

[chickwhorips]

i had the same problem, but mine came from when i would bike right after shaving. so i would shave on my off days and it cleared up the problem. not sure if yours happens all the time or just on occasion like mine. i also noticed if i used shaving cream it helped also. didn't get the bumps.

[Grog]

Maybe zinc oxyde cream, i.e. Zincofax, aka diaper cream?

In the summer when I ride a lot in very hot weather (or in the rain) I do get redness and rawness, and it pretty much solves the problem, for much cheaper than Chamois Butt'r.

[SalsaMTB]

If it looks the same as irritation from shaving, you could try this.

I get terrible irritation after shaving and had a woman who did a Brazilian wax for me recommended the process below.

After you shower or clean the area, put some Sea Breeze Astringent on a cotton ball and clean the area. Once that dries a little, put on a light coating of baby powder. Do it in the morning and in the evening.

I did that after I got waxed and it worked really well. I do this after I shave the area and it works wonders! No more red bumps!

The Sea Breeze is a strong toner and really cleans the pores out well. It is alcohol based w/ peppermint oil, so I would only recommend this if you're getting the irritation on the skin around the area, it definitely gives the skin a cool sensation. The baby powder helps make the skin soft and smooth, reducing friction from panties, etc.

If you're increasing miles, if could be that you have sensitive skin and you're getting clogged pores. When my sister started riding, she got a bad pimple in the nether regions. Something like I listed above could help get the area extra clean.

Other than that, I would say maybe try a chamois cream. I personally do not use one, but haven't heard anything negative about them

[Triskeliongirl]

I would go back to the brooks. Really, back up. Why didn't you like the brooks? Perhaps it was just an poorly adjusted I find on my brooks finesse if I level the nose, so the rear is a bit higher, I am much more comfortable and don't get any chafing like I did on my terry butterfly (and like it sounds you are now getting on your liberator). BTW, I use chamois butter.

[momof4greatkids]

Hmmm, the rash developed after I switched from the Brooks to the Liberator, yes, Mimi. But it's also coincided w/the nicer weather and more riding time.

I stopped using the Brooks because I was getting chafing in front on the female parts. I tipped it down, moved it around the rails, yet still I would get this problem. At least that part is better on the Liberator.

I was just cleaning up the Brooks to send it back under the 6 month money back warranty. As I was wiping it down, I notice it's got a couple scuffs from my perfunctory "new to clipless" slow speed falls, and I feel a little uneasy about returning it after abusing it, as such. I try to put myself in the place of the proprietor.

Now I'm wondering if I should just back up a bit as Treskeliongirl suggests.

Also will try the astringent suggestions and zinc based ointment in the area. I'll try it one at a time, to see what works.

Thank you so much for your replies!

Colleen

[Triskeliongirl]

Maybe if you went back to the brooks, and used chamois butter you would be OK. I have never gotten any kind of infection from it. You can order it on TE. If chafing is the problem, a lubricant such as chamois butter should help. Good hygeine, changing out of your shorts immediately after the ride, and always use a fresh pair are good ideas too, as is being sure you are using good quality shorts with a pad that is comfortable for you.

[TsPoet]

Note- Since I ride a recumbent, I wear underwear and regular shorts.
I notice problems when I wear cotton underwear and am much happier in silk and/or "coolmax" or similar - so what are your shorts made out of? Maybe a different pair of shorts and/or chamois construction might help.

[missymaya]

hey momof4greatkids,
I have the exact same problem and it took me a while to figure out how to solve the problem. For me, I have a verys sensitive bikini line, even when shaving , so for me, part of solving this painful problem is using a lubricant, like a chamois cream. I did a little research into which I preferred and I suggest you do the same. Everyone's different. I haven't had any infections or problems from the chamois cream as well.
Also, when you buy new bike shorts, make sure that the chamois is appropriate for your riding and is in the right "area". That can help with comfort.
And, for me, on long rides, I find that not shaving my bikini line helped a little too.
Hope these suggestions will relieve you from this painful problem and happy riding!

[xeney]

If the Brooks is rubbing your genitals no matter how you position it, then I don't think it's going to magically get better. It sounds like it's not the right saddle to support you in a way that keeps you from bearing weight in the wrong places.

[lizbids]

Hey Momof4...

I JUST put a terry liberator on my saddle on Saturday and noticed that I had no pressure on the girlie parts, thank god. the downside is that I felt my thighs brushing against the seat...something I didn't experience with the stock seat on my Bianchi (I changed seats b/c the Bianchi gave me pressure problems). Anyway, I used chamois Butt'r and it helped a bit, but I looked down in my shower to notice tiny red bumps, and I realized I had shaved the day before.

I would be curious to know if anyone has used the mens Liberator...seems to be thinner in the nose area.