General Cycling Discussion - Chamois Cream

Ok, I seem to go through cycles of getting saddle sores. Did a pretty long/hard ride on sunday and I was literally torn up. Couldnt sit even on my wide padded seat on my beater bike I ride to school. I have a standard selle italian genuine gel and PI Ultrasensor shorts. I will be fine for a while and then for some reason I'll get them. My question is, does any one use a cream/lubricant? What kind? Does it make a difference? Does it mess up the chamois? Im getting a new pair of castelli bibs, tomorrow hopefully, maybe that will help a little. Thanks

If you are talking about skin irritation, burning, redness and perhaps a bit of epidermal loss then some creamy lubricant would definitely help. There are
a number marketed to the bicycle community but any thick creamy lube would
do. Udder cream, bag balm, noxzema have their adherents. The liquid lubes
should be avoided as they are not as durable, tend to get absorbed into the shorts. On the list of ingredients water should be lower than 3d or 4th. If 1st or 2d the cream is certain not to last the ride. You don't want vanishing creams! If on the other hand you have open sores, ulcers or skin infections then a more aggressive approach is needed and probably physician intervention.
Skin abscesses, follicular or otherwise, or skin infections of the cellulitis variety
also require more aggressive treatment. Shorts and saddle will need decon with peroxide or bleach. Steve

Take time off riding until that's healed up. Otherwise, it's just going to get worse. I was in the same situation. I hardly ever ride without butt butter (as I fondly call it).

I actually got my butt butter from the spinning convention I attended a few years back. I'm almost out, but I'm headed out to get some bag balm soon from the LBS. Call your LBS to see what they've got and what they would recommend.

Koffee

i use udder cream, they sold it at my local drug store. it definitly helps, and i think any of the other products mentioned would work just as well. and know it won't mess up you chamois.

Before I started using chamois cremes I was living in pain from saddle sores and having to miss time off of the bike to let them heal. Since I started using the creme I have not had one. A combination of good shorts and creme should do the trick. Currently I am using Paceline Chamois Butt'r which for at least myself works very well.
When you wash your shorts this product comes right out with soap and water so should not harm them.

Another vote here for chamois butt'r. Most all others work well, but this just seems to work a notch above. haven't missed a ride since using it and can go on longer workouts, too.

I use the chamois butter too! it works great and it wont hurt the chamois.

Other tips Take shorts off after you are riding and take a shower to clean the area (butt) lol and never ever wear dirty bike shorts

I usually don't, but I rode in an MS 150 this past weekend and bought some, just in case. I used Chamois butt'r (I think) and it worked real well. Started to come off around mile 50 on Day 1 and I started to feel some irritation. I just reapplied at lunch and voila! I'd recommend it for long rides, but I don't bother if it's under 50...

Chamois Creme is your friend.

Chamois Creme is the only thing that should come between you and your shorts.

Another vote for Chamois Butt'r here. First time I used it was a free sample in the goody bag @ a ride. I've been using it for around 3 years now. Very good stuff. I get mine from http://www.schwabcycles.com

Another vote for butt butter. I use it for every ride. I don't take any chances.

I've even started to rub it on the pad in my bib shorts right after I wash them and then just let them dry with the cream on. Then I apply some to my body right before the ride. I do rides ranging from 30 to 80 miles every week and every few months I'll do a century ride, and I don't get sores anymore unless something odd happens (like the stitching comes loose and creates an area that rubs, or something odd like that).

I always recommend a good pair of shorts/bibs and butt butter to anyone that is thinking of taking up cycling.