agmetal

I don't own a car, and hate using public transportation because it's actually extremely inconvenient for me. I can't afford to pay people to give me rides all the time. I get everywhere by bicycle - year round, all weather. I wear regular street clothes on the bike (I don't own any bike-specific clothing, nor do I have any desire to change that). It's also winter, and the weather has been pretty cold, so I'm usually wearing a moisture-wicking base layer.

However, I've suddenly developed some chafing that makes it uncomfortable to ride, or even walk. For that matter, I feel it even while I'm sitting at my computer with my legs somewhat spread apart.

As far as a cause go, the only change I can think of is that I've started seeing someone and staying at her place fairly frequently...normally, I apply antiperspirant/deodorant to that area every morning, but I haven't usually had it on hand when I've stayed at the lady's place, so I haven't been using it as regularly.

In any case, I need to find a solution for healing the chafed areas that doesn't involve staying off the bike, because that's just not a reasonable option for me.

LiquorLad

Jock itch?

agmetal

Hmm, maybe. I did some googling and that sounds like a possibility. Might make a run to the 24-hour Walgreens to see about some stuff to try for that.

cooker

Also consider other fungal infections like Candida. They're not really sexually transmitted, in that the spores are already everywhere, but the infection might have been triggered by increased sexual activity, with more dampness etc. I'm not claiming this is medical advice, but antifungal creams like Canesten etc. are available over the counter (in Canada, anyway) with clotrimazole or other ingredients that might help.

agmetal

Thanks for the suggestion. I picked up some hydrocortisone and zinc oxide cream last night, so I'll try those first...but already considering the fungal angle. Gonna wait a day or two to see how this other stuff does first.

wipekitty

Did the problem resolve yet?

It occurred to me that the problem isn't uncommon, and there can be a number of causes. Riding longer distances can cause this issue, as can the wrong saddle, or even breaking in a new leather saddle. The cleanliness issue can also be a problem.

I've found that the cleanliness issue can be easily resolved by keeping some wipes handy - I like Huggie's baby wipes because they're thick, but actually prefer Tuck's pads (the witch hazel is a natural astringent).

Most of my own issues were resolved by switching saddles...and using bike-specific shorts for longer rides. The chamois really makes a difference. I know you don't want to go this route, but they do make liner shorts that can be worn discreetly under normal clothes.

Wileyone 

This is a Baby Chafing Cream called Penaten. Been around for Years and works very well.

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agmetal

It's definitely improved. I didn't like the zinc oxide cream, but the hydrocortisone cream seemed to be the most effective things, and now I'm pretty much back to my regular routine of using deodorant down there. It also helped to wear pants that are a bit looser in the crotch (and also made of wool, rather than a cotton/poly blend and synthetic base layer).

I ride several thousand miles a year...I use a few different leather saddles, and sometimes a plastic saddle (I have 9 bikes that are currently rideable), and the bike with the plastic saddle is the one I had been riding the most when this problem came up...but I think that the real cause was more closely related to slipping from my regular routine of deodorant application every morning.

rumrunn6

might ask your friend for a drawer too. I remember those days. "a place for my stuff" as George Carlin would attest :-)

Jim from Boston

Nice segue and change from the usual LCF topics.

I personally regularly cleanse with 91% isopropyl alcohol on a towel, which is a refreshing antibacterial, used for example before drawing a blood sample for the arm. In fact I found it so effective that I also use it as an underarm deodorant...cooling, non-scented, non-staining; only one product necessary for two sites.

agmetal

Not sure if I follow your meaning...I don't spend much time in this section, just figured it'd be a useful place to get suggestions from people who'd understand the need for a bike-friendly solution to the problem

Jim from Boston

No offense intended. Usually in this Forum are monumental discussions about saving the planet and remaking the environment. Such a seemingly mundane (but important) topic as chafing has been rehashed many times on the Commuting Forum. I replied sincerely in the context of the OP as I assumed you intended it.

PS: I just noted you post from Boston, MA...Howdy neighbor; I live in Kenmore Square.

Roody

I can't help but wonder if part of the problem is applying an underarm product to a more delicate area. Why do you even feel a need to do that?

rumrunn6

and / or, in addition, there are roll-on anti-chafing products such as body glide. combine w cycling shorts, there should be no more discomfort

79pmooney

Two suggestions from a lifelong cyclist. When you have issues of chafe, boils or whatever and have to ride - Bag Balm. It is messy but it works very well (and is cheap). Available at any old-school pharmacy. And cycling briefs. Ask around at bike stores that carry clothing lines. Some of the best I have had were from Performance years ago.

The UnderArmour jockey-briefs may work well for you or be worse. I do get saddle sores from them on long rides (40+ miles) but like that they fit snug, keep everything in place and for city riding and non-bile wear work well. (For longer rides with them, the Bag Balm helps a lot.)

Ben

gerv 

I use baby powder... I used bag balm for a while but think I developed an allergy. You can also get some pretty decent cycling specific compounds for chafing ...

Carbonfiberboy 

Firstly, never use antiperspirant/deodorant down there. Never.

Secondly, when you shower, use a dandruff shampoo and do your crotch first, then turn off the water and soap and shampoo the rest, then rinse. That gives the shampoo some time to work.

Thirdly, every morning put a very thin coat of miconazole on the affected areas.

Should be gone pretty quickly. You can also apply Bag Balm before riding as suggested by others. Body Glide is much less messy but also doesn't work as well.

rossiny

If you are chafed u may have to stay off the bike to heal. That being said have u any old style riding pants with a natural chamois_ those allow your to spin pedals without binding. Also the chamois must be kept clean..

Roody

Has anybody mentioned that you could have a crappy saddle? I had one that chafed the heck out of me. It was a fairly expensive one, but I was glad when I replaced it.