Furuncles on Lady Parts - Help

[Carolyn.Elaine.]

Since I've started cycling I've gotten three furuncles in my lady region. Can any of you reccomend good shorts to help alleviate the pressure that's causing this problem? It has to do with blocked sweat glands. Any advice is appreciated!

[westtexas]

The best thing you can do is make sure of a couple of things.

1) Always wear a clean pair of shorts. Not just dry, but laundered too.
2) Take your cycling shorts off immediately after you ride if at all possible.

I also use one of those Cottonelle fresh wipes after riding if I am not going to shower right away.

Seems to help keep everything clean down there and I haven't had a problem.

[VeganBikeChick]

I had to look "Furuncle" up. Never heard of that word before!

[trickycoolj]

Make sure to use a basic antibacterial soap in your post-ride/exercise shower, like plain Dial. I had some issues from some Olay body wash that was super greasy and didn't even rinse clean off the tub let alone my skin! Also agree with getting out of the sweaty clothes ASAP. If I leave a sports bra on too long post workout my chest/back will break out. Ew!

[KatzPajamas]

I didn't have the furuncle but was extremely numb and slightly raw on the lady parts. I invested in a pair of Louis Guarneau(sp?) shorts. Also, I adjusted my position on the seat. I was sitting up to far on the saddle and therefore the lady parts were doing all the work of holding me up. I slid back some until I felt my sit bones rest on the back wings of the saddle. These two things have made a HUGE difference and given my lady parts the break they needed. I did 21 miles on Saturday. The most comfortable I have been ever. Before, I would be in pain for hours after that long of a ride. It did take a toll on my lower back and neck the first week that I made these changes. Fortunately, I had a massage at the end of the week and am even better than before.

[KnottedYet]

Try wearing shorts that don't have a chamois that holds in the sweat.

(don't worry, if your saddle fits properly you really won't have a problem)

Try something like a tri short, or a compression short.

[rivergal]

If you are looking for shorts, I'd recommend Aero Tech Designs. Good padding, and reasonably priced.

I'd also agree with other posters who suggested getting out of the sweaty shorts asap and cleaning. I'd suggest something with salacylic acid, as that would help keep the sweat glands clean. This assumes the lady parts aren't in an area where you have sensitive skin. Phisodern Anti-Blemish Body Wash and Neutrogena Clean and Clear Body Wash are both good ones. I think Phisoderm is a little milder, and I order it from Amazon.

[Fredwina]

will go along with everyone else. get out of the shorts and clean first thing after the ride, I've had a couple of helmets that did the same to my neck.

[Carolyn.Elaine.]

Thanks, everyone! I'll look up the shorts you all mentioned and make some changes regarding showering right after with a different soap.

[KatzPajamas]

I have been using Aveda Refreshing Bar for years. It is a blend of Grapefruit, Organic orange, Petitgrain, Quillaja extract, Soapwort extract, Vitamin E, Yucca extract, Orange Citrus aurantium amara. It not only smells soft and gentle, it seems to be able to heal skin quickly. I used samples of it in the hotel while on a business trip in Florida. I lost track of time in the sun and was burnt to a crisp, but this soap immediately soothed and healed my skin. Been using it ever sense, especially on lady parts, because other soaps have left me itchy, etc. Also, believe it or not, the Aveda plain old "chapstick" called Lip Saver works great to protect and heal any raw or chafed areas. No, I am not working for Aveda, just want to share what has helped keep me happy!