How To Prevent Chafing From Cycling
Posted on: 29 October 2015
Many cyclists enjoy riding, but cannot handle the chafing issues. If you are riding long distance, then you should expect some chafing to your underside and saddle sores. The chafing comes from your sensitive areas rubbing against your clothing and the bicycle seat.
Saddle sores occur from infected or blocked glands. They show up as lumps and can occur in the buttocks area, groin or upper leg. The best way to stop chafing issues is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Here are three ways to prevent chafing.
Chamois Cream For Cyclists
Chamois cream for cyclists is an anti-bacterial cream. It stops the friction that occurs between your clothing and skin. The point is to minimize friction while riding and to stop bacterial from building. When you allow bacterial to build-up, this leads to sores and infection.
This cream should be applied before riding your bike. You want to apply the cream to the area that is making contact with the saddle.
Padded Cycling Shorts
Padded cycling shorts can help you avoid the misery of chafing. Some people experiencing chafing because of buying the wrong type of biker shorts. You should avoid buying shorts with extra material. This results in more rubbing and moisture.
It helps to buy the padded cycling shorts, which are made for riding. Padded cycling shorts have a liner sewn on the inside and a chamois pad. The chamois pad is in the right position to minimize friction and to stop pressure from being applied to your sensitive areas. These shorts also should not be worn with underwear.
Practice Good Hygiene
Practicing good hygiene is essential for stopping the build-up of bacteria. You want to take after your shorts as soon as possible after riding. This means bringing a change of clothing. It does not matter that you do not have access to a shower. You need to change your clothing after riding.
It is bad for you skin to drive back home in damp cycling shorts. This can cause heat and moisture to build-up on your skin, which leads to friction. This results in inflamed and itchy skin rash and cause your skin to crack. According to AZCentral, the tiny cracks in your skin makes your body more susceptible to bacteria growth when left untreated. You can avoid chafing problems by showering after cycling and practicing good hygiene.
Most cyclist ride to train for competitions or just as a hobby. When you start riding every day and taking longer trips, you need to consider how you will handle chafing problems. However, it is possible to enjoy riding with the right supplies and equipment.
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