datepalm3@earth

Okay, not a pleasant topic but I'm going crazy here

I commute around 30 minutes each day to/from work and always wear a fresh pair of bike shorts each day. I don't believe the issue is saddle sores per se (as it's not related to the area of contact), but rather pimples anywhere from the top of my rear all the way down to my thighs.

They only seem to appear where my bike shorts touch the skin, so I'm guessing the culprit is that the tight-fitting fabric from the shorts is causing ingrown hairs(?). Regardless of the cause, I was wondering if others have had this problem and how they've dealt with or prevented it. I will say I've tried a loofa in the shower when I get home and even benzoil peroxide washes and witch hazel, but these blemishes still keep appearing. They also take a long time to go away on your legs and all so I'd really like to find a way to prevent them.

Thanks

sabaka

shave???

ericgu

I don't think it's ingrown hairs.

I think you're having an allergic reaction, and it's happening mostly where you sweat.

I suggest trying a different detergent for your shorts. I've been using Win detergent (https://www.windetergent.com), which is great for keeping them odor-free, but I've also used woolite.

If changing that doesn't help, I suggest seeing a doctor.

datepalm3@earth

Thanks for your reply Eric. I do tend to have allergic reactions to various products, but in this case I'd be surprised: I wash all of my clothes in the same detergent (and yet the problem only occurs wherever the shorts are touching and nowhere else), and also, I've been using the same detergent for over 7 years with no prior issues.

I won't rule it out as you're right...it could be a sweat issue, but I can't help thinking it's more likely due to ingrown hairs. I know that turtlenecks can cause ingrown hairs on the neck (which I can also attest to) as they're often tight-fitting and push down the hairs, so I can't help but think it's the same phenomenon with the tight fabric of the shorts. Hopefully there's a cure out there.

bilder

I have this alergic reaction as well.

I can tell when my wife buys a certian brand of detergent when my armpits start to itch. The sweat draws out the residue in the fabric and it gets into my skin.

Change brands and see if that helps.

RonH

I wash my cycling clothes in baby detergent.
Easier on the fabric (I think ) and doesn't cause skin problems.

Dewbert

I get his problem, but usually on in the "creasy" areas--not all over.

I wash my cycling clothes in Woolite to avoid skin problems too.