Originally Posted by
ColaJacket
I've sometimes had an issue with hair follicles forming a small cyst. It normally happens from chafing. Ironically, the chafing occurs when I'm not riding my bike. I use a tea tree oil liquid soap, and tea tree oil is a natural antibiotic. I also use corn starch on my legs/inner thighs before I go riding and after my shower. Corn Starch is the main ingredient in many baby powders, but corn starch is cheaper and doesn't have the perfume.
That, and if it is really hair follicles getting infected, see my other advice above. As shaving can compound the problem. But electolysis or waxing fixes the problem on a more permanent basis.
GH
Thanks for the suggestions.
I've read that tea tree oil will stain my jerseys. This isn't a problem with shaving, per se, it's a problem with biking in the heat. I haven't buzzed now in three weeks, and the folliculitis was pretty much gone. Then I did a long weekend of biking, and it came back even though I haven't shaved and was still using the antibiotic cream. My doctor is mystified and agrees I need to get samples taken to see if the bacteria is something unique. I'm getting that next done week. it's very odd, but clearly has to do with heat and humidity and dirt. (and possibly my PI Elite Jerseys with N-R-Cool, a reaction to the carbon in the fabric...but doesn't explain why only on my front.)
When I ride in the heat, I have to vent by unzipping, and my Dr hypothesizes that maybe I pick up a bacteria I'm particularly vulnerable to on the road. Dunno. I'm really surprised this doesn't happen to anyone else. Sigh.