Chamois Cream and Avoiding Saddle Sores

With the new cycling season in full swing and with the Memorial Day weekend coming up, a lot of us will be out on the roads and trails getting in some early summer rides. That said, now is as good a time as any to make sure you are stocked up on chamois cream (if you use it) and that your bib shorts still have a cushy chamois pad, especially if you plan to put in some big miles over the holiday weekend and through the summer months ahead.

While contemporary cycling equipment, such as bike saddles and padded bib shorts are better made now than ever, if you ride a lot of miles per week, month, or year, it’s inevitable soreness will set in. While many cyclists are fine without it and rely on their shorts to protect them from damage, chamois cream does suit many purposes.

What is a Chamois Pad in Cycling?

A chamois pad, according to the Giant Bicycles website, is just that, a thick pad that is sewn into cycling shorts. That thickness, however, can vary between manufacturers. And not all riders like a super thick pad. So, be aware of this fact when you buy your cycling shorts. Not all chamois pads are the same.

The primary purpose of a chamois pad is to provide support for one’s sit bones. But a well-made chamois pad does more than that. It also has moisture-wicking properties built-in as well as an anti-bacterial layer. Those properties are supposed to prevent irritation and sweat buildup, which adds breathability. All these steps are taken so cyclists can avoid saddle sores.

Saddle Sores Are A Cyclist’s Enemy

The phrase “saddle sore” when used in cycling is a bit confusing. In one instance, it does point to an actual inflammation in the area where you sit on the bike. But more generally, it can refer to the steady or constant pain a cyclist feels during or after a bike ride.

That said, a true definition of that discomfort should be mentioned. According to the Bike Radar website, saddle sores “can mean anything from just a general soreness to broken skin, folliculitis, irritant dermatitis, nappy rash, thrush, ‘flap mash’ or bruising and/or swelling of the vulva, numbness in both men and women, cysts…“

Prevention and Treatment of Saddle Sores

So, how do you get saddle sores and how can you avoid getting them? Unfortunately, there’s no solid answer to either of those questions other than it has to do with the amount of pressure generated from sitting on a bike saddle.

The specific causes of saddle sores and the way to prevent them are almost one and the same. Pay attention to the items on the list below by checking to make sure they are correct as possible and you should be okay. Unfortunately, the cause and the prevention of saddle sores are elusive because of these same factors:

• How a rider’s weight is distributed on a saddle.
• The choice of a bike saddle.
• A rider’s bike setup, fit, and riding position
• Road vibration and an ill-fitting pair of bike shorts (Shorts should fit tight against the skin and be worn without underwear).

If you get a saddle sore, what can you do? Actually, not a lot as long as that sore doesn’t become infected. That “soreness” you feel can be treated, unfortunately, with time not riding. In the interim, you can check your equipment and make any needed adjustments based on the list above.

Chamois Cream to the Rescue

The factors mentioned in the list above plus friction, chafing, and basic movement can lead to saddle sores and genital discomfort. One way to avoid that friction and chafing is by using chamois cream. While not an absolute panacea for prevention, it does serve a purpose.

So what is chamois cream? According to the Healthline website, chamois cream is “a viscous or thick cream that minimizes friction between clothing and skin. Also known as anti-chafing cream, it helps prevent the uncomfortable rubbing against the skin that many cyclists…experience when training.”

Why is Chamois Cream Good?

Chamois cream functions as an antibacterial agent. It can be reused on a chamois pad because it is washable. Chamois cream can also relieve minor aches and pains, and can soothe irritated skin. However, if elements like bike fit, saddle, or short choice are not carefully chosen, chamois cream won’t do much good.

Chamois creams, however, aren’t perfect and some of them can irritate the skin. While I prefer the Assos brand, there are many chamois creams on the market. However, as Bike Radar points out, it is important to be aware of the ingredients used in the manufacture of Chamois Cream.

In most cases, chamois creams are “either water- or oil-based and you’ll have to work out if you have a preference…Water-based creams tend to be more unstable, so [they] have added chemicals to maintain their smooth texture, but heavy oil-based products might block your pores.”

Last Thoughts

My recommendation for chamois cream is to try out a few highly-rated brands and see which one is right for you. Keep in mind that a tube or tub of chamois cream can be expensive and run anywhere from $20 to $30. Sometimes, a manufacturer will make small packages (test sizes) available.

Lastly, applying chamois cream is a personal preference. Some riders use a large amount and others use enough just to cover the pad. I apply mine directly to my chamois pad, some cyclists apply it directly to their skin.

Whatever you believe, I see chamois cream as a preventative measure, even though I do use quality equipment, so it is a ride essential to me. But if you don’t do super long rides and have zero discomfort, then the choice to use it is up to you.