Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Butt problems, possibly TMI (avert your eyes if you need to)

I've had two comfort issues recently. First problem was some irritation around the anus. Cycling didn't hurt, but lots of other things did. I went to a doctor, and it turned out to be a yeast infection. I didn't know that happened to guys. :cry:

Apparently the warmer weather and more riding teamed up to cause moisture (imagine that!) that led to the problem. I have a prescription cream that is treating it well.

I rode a century ride a week ago, and toward the end of the ride, it felt as if the saddle (Brooks B17) was "off". I looked at it when I got home, and it almost appeared that it had rotated to the left slightly and dropped a few millimeters.

I carefully re-adjusted it before riding this past week.

The first part of the week was more comfortable. Later in the week, I was getting a nasty painful spot near the crease with my leg. It felt like one of the rivets was gouging me through my bike shorts. I inspected the saddle and everything looked fine.

I found the problem while in the shower. I have a zit/cyst/painful bump or something in that spot. :twitchy:

It's not a saddle sore, it not really a weight bearing place, but it does rub the saddle when riding. Short of breaking out the recumbent for commuting (which I may do) how can I treat this thing? I know it'll go away on it's own, but I don't want to stop riding until then.

The only thing I might suggest is using a corn starch baby powder on a daily basis. It will help dry up the area, and had some lubricant properties that might help while riding. Also, sleeping with lose boxers to keep from sweating at night may help the area keep dry. I have quite a problem with moisture related chaffing due to my job. These were a couple of tips given to me from my doctor which seem to work for me.The key is to keep things dry. To prevent it from happening again, since it is a load bearing area, is use a chamois cream to reduce friction.

Short of breaking out the recumbent for commuting (which I may do) how can I treat this thing? I know it'll go away on it's own, but I don't want to stop riding until then.

Don't pop it. Let it resolve on it's own. If that means riding the recumbent, do so.

I'll second the part about keeping things dry. That's a problem a lot of us bigger folks have to deal with.

Okay. I've got to go grocery shopping today, so I'll look for some corn-starch based powder.

I decided to go on a 25-mile club ride today, and took the 'bent. It was fun and pain-free. Now I've got to move panniers, lights, and stuff over for commuting.

Also, sleeping with lose boxers to keep from sweating at night may help the area keep dry.

Isn't that what the pros do?

I trust you are using a chamois lubricant like butt buttr'. That will prevent most such problems. My son, a triathlete, put me onto aquaphor, in the diaper rash section of your local Wally World, which works both as a lube and as a healing salve. Last for those long, six hours in the saddle.

I love Aquaphor. I use it on my eczema, minor abrasions/burns and also for a couple of days after i get new ink(tattoo).
I'll try it on my butt.

I trust you are using a chamois lubricant like butt buttr'. That will prevent most such problems. My son, a triathlete, put me onto aquaphor, in the diaper rash section of your local Wally World, which works both as a lube and as a healing salve. Last for those long, six hours in the saddle.

Interesting. I've never used a lube for riding... a bike.

I wear padded lycra shorts when riding an upright bike, and sometimes when on the 'bent. I've never gone as far as the lube though.

Exactly where does the stuff go? Sorry to ask a silly and somewhat delicate question, but I honestly don't know.

Interesting. I've never used a lube for riding... a bike.

I wear padded lycra shorts when riding an upright bike, and sometimes when on the 'bent. I've never gone as far as the lube though.

Exactly where does the stuff go? Sorry to ask a silly and somewhat delicate question, but I honestly don't know.

Not a silly question at all. If in doubt, cover your chamois pad with the stuff to start. Also, every person is different, but if you feel one place getting more friction then another, make sure to cover that area.

I recently went to a colon specialist for another problem...he suggested that Desitin or any diaper rash-type onitment that contains zinc oxide is as good as anything for curing external irritation in that area. Just a thought.

I've had two comfort issues recently. First problem was some irritation around the anus. Cycling didn't hurt, but lots of other things did. I went to a doctor, and it turned out to be a yeast infection. I didn't know that happened to guys. :cry:

Apparently the warmer weather and more riding teamed up to cause moisture (imagine that!) that led to the problem. I have a prescription cream that is treating it well.

I rode a century ride a week ago, and toward the end of the ride, it felt as if the saddle (Brooks B17) was "off". I looked at it when I got home, and it almost appeared that it had rotated to the left slightly and dropped a few millimeters.

I carefully re-adjusted it before riding this past week.

The first part of the week was more comfortable. Later in the week, I was getting a nasty painful spot near the crease with my leg. It felt like one of the rivets was gouging me through my bike shorts. I inspected the saddle and everything looked fine.

I found the problem while in the shower. I have a zit/cyst/painful bump or something in that spot. :twitchy:

It's not a saddle sore, it not really a weight bearing place, but it does rub the saddle when riding. Short of breaking out the recumbent for commuting (which I may do) how can I treat this thing? I know it'll go away on it's own, but I don't want to stop riding until then.

Bag Balm. It's for cow udders, originally, but the mode of irritation is the same (too much friction.) It's an antiseptic in petroleum jelly, with some lanolin.

Just be aware that Bag Balm does permanently discolor your chamois, if that is any concern.

I use Gold Bond powder (green bottle) for the undercarriage. Keeps things dry, and just a bit of menthol keeps things cool, as well.
When I ride, I use Assos chamois creme. It's pricey, but well worth it. I've gone through a whole lot of different cremes, even making my own concoctions. Nothing worked as well (for me) as Assos. It's got a fair amount of menthol and witch hazel, which are cooling/antibacterial/astringents... so the first time you use it can be a bit interesting. If you're not prepared for the sensation, it's a bit like lighting your junk on fire and putting the flames out in a ice-bath. :eek: However, for longer rides it's the best creme I've used.

Chamois Butt'r didn't last through my sweating for more than 30 miles.
Udderly Smooth Chamois Creme is barely thicker than hand lotion, and didn't offer enough friction protection.
Anything petroleum based (Vaseline, Bag Balm, etc.) can clog pores and lead to cysts.

Speaking of: Cysts can often be taken care of over a series of days with hot compresses. Commonly what happens is a blocked pore fills with dead skin and oils (sebum) and the stuff solidifies as a sebaceous cyst. The heat liquifies the oils and allows the body to reabsorb the material. Unless it's infected and you go to a doctor, don't try to pop a cyst. You're more likely to do damage than solve anything.

For the boil (thats kind of what it sounds like) I would suggest a warm compress and some Boil Ease. That will break it open slowly and release the pressure/pain. I get them every once in a while, and that is the only thing that every seems to bring me some relief :)

"I found the problem while in the shower. I have a zit/cyst/painful bump or something in that spot. "
i see this is an old thread. but a reply would be nice. i have one of those cysts or what ever and i just wanna know if it's dangerous. should i get it checked out?

I get them occasionally. I use a solution of boric acid and warm water to make a compress. After a few days it usually comes to a head like a zit would. It will eventually pop, be prepared it's kinda gross. After it pops treat it as you would any cut. I just use neosporin and a band aid.

Use warm, not hot, compresses on the area and DO NOT squeeze or try to pop it. If you do you are more prone to get a serious infection.

I have a problem with the corn starch powders. If I start to sweat at all its suddenly like I'm mixing a batch of pancake batter in my trousers. not fun.

For me, I sleep naked (sorry for the image) and shower every morning. After the shower I dry my unmentionables with a large pedestal fan. Towels only go so far, to get the last moisture off you need evaporation.

To keep the boys and the exit dry during the day I wear underarmor, the stretchy version. I think its the originals. These wick moisture away from the skin.

And I shower after any exertion that makes me sweat. What have found is that if I sweat, then salt builds up and makes a nice abrasive when skin rubs on skin. my ass gets raw very quickly when that happens. If I know I'm going to be far away from a shower, I bring some baby wipes. But you also have to dry off after.

After the shower I dry my unmentionables with a large pedestal fan. Towels only go so far, to get the last moisture off you need evaporation.


Have you considered a hair dryer instead of the fan?

I have, and when I travel I bring one.

Use warm, not hot, compresses on the area and DO NOT squeeze or try to pop it. If you do you are more prone to get a serious infection.

Great point--these can easily lead to MRSA/Staph infections which can be life threatening. Seriously. I wouldn't pop a cyst anywere on my body--and if one does pop, clean it with antibacterial cream (or Hydrogen Peroxide and cream) and keep it covered until it dries. DO NOT wash it with water. If the area around the cyst becomes red and "infected" looking, seek medical attention asap.

Erwin8r, great points. As a nurse I have seen some gnarly infections that started as "just a little pimple". Many of these infections require hospitalization and surgical procedures to treat. It's no joke.

I had tons of Desitin lying around from the little ones and started using it myself when I was bigger. There may be other and better products out there but I live by that stuff even now.