Within a few weeks of starting to ride regularly on performance road bikes (in 1966), I learned that using real cycling shorts of good quality (not necessarily 'high cost') was absolutely necessary; along with good kersey, socks, shoes, all the kit...
Those were the days of wool shorts and real chamois...
Having a number of shorts to switch out, because of riding daily, often hard and long, means having a wardrobe you can switch out and have at highest cleanliness was very important for comfort and reducing irritation and infections.
After washing real chamois, we would apply chamois cream, to keep the leather supple (reducing irritation. NOT applied to the skin. Some riders used a 'balm' for their skin, but I found it more uncomfortable and because it blocked my pores, more prone to small infections. So I quickly stopped using skin balms for a ride.
When good real chamois was becoming scarce, I had to shift to synthetic pads... I always prefer the minimum of good quality pad, similar to the thin single layer of real chamois - much better release of moisture and much cooler.
Excessive 'Heat' along with irritation are reasons for having skin problems, especially in the crotch.
A good ventilating pad, with not too much coverage is what I look for, besides a good cut/fit.
Keep the 'area. clean. keep the kit clean, have enough kit that you're able to change it out often, sometimes for each ride. I have some easy days and that kit can often go for a 2nd similar day.
I have kit if different materials and 'weights' for the often different riding conditions.
After a shower I now, since antibiotic cream has been over-the-counter, I would use a light application in the 'seat' area of skin. It has almost completely eliminated having any infections and skin problems.
IN the recent decade,when I'm not off somewhere doing other things (backpacking, snow skiing, skating, motorcycling, etc) I ride pedal bikes 6 out of 7 days avg. 2 hrs +ish... I ridden bikes continuously since '65, except for a hiatus from '99 thru mid '04.
This works best for me
Ride On
Yuri