Any solutions out there for skin irritation and mild rash in groin and inguinal area following riding on the trainer?
doing 60 minutes rides even a few days back to back I never get this. However, when I step it up to 90 and 120 minute rides and also do more than one training day in a row, I notice I start to get this irritation.
I don’t seem to get this as much outside even on 4-5 hour rides. I started think that part of it may be I am more wet in that area during trainer rides vs outside rides.
Any tips, products, … appreciated.
Gold Bond Friction Defense works really well for me.
I assume you aren’t using any friction reducing products now, so start either with chamois cream or Body Glide Cycle sticks.
And stand frequently when riding the trainer….that is likely to be the biggest help.
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I used to get “jock itch” from indoor rides. I started using DZNuts chamois crème and the problem went away. It’s listed as anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.
Indoor rides give me a bit of the itch sometimes as well. I just apply some OTC athlete’s foot cream. Clears it right up
I have the same. Happened to me for the first time this summer on a long and very warm/sweaty ride. Then the summer became crappy (so less sweating) and it didn’t come back until I did a 2h+ ride indoor.
I started applying a generous amount of generic hydrating cream from Lidl to the spot if I do an indoor ride of more than 1 hour and it has never happened again, not even after 3h+ inside
Just be careful. I started using ‘Chamois Butt’r European’, and found I was allergic to it. It was worse than not using anything. I found the Assos ‘Chamois Crème’, and it works extremely well. It has some menthol and, so far anyway, has cut down the ‘funky junk’ problem.
I’ve really never had any issues outside but regularly have to make adjustments on the trainer.
My .02:
1 - nice bibs, I have +5 pairs that are in great condition and some others that are getting a little flat
2 - chamois cream, I don’t use a lot but I use it every time I ride the trainer.
3 - rocker plate - I got one on sale and the slight movement it allows helps tremendously, especially in rides longer than an hour
4 - don’t ignore hot spots or other indicators of a problem during the ride, I’d rather quit a workout that get a problem that I’ll be dealing with for days or weeks.
I use some anti-bacterial roll-on deodorant (sanex) down there prior to a ride, this was recommended to me by the local pharmacist after I had a flare up.
After ride and shower make sure that the area is dry, I use a bit of talc to remove any remaining moisture.
If the inflammation gets bad, use an anti fungal cream, as mentioned anything that’s good for athletes foot.
For ongoing maintenance you need to restore the skins natural barrier, so moisturise, I use dermal cream but find what works for you.
Don’t sit around in sweaty kit any longer than is necessary, if you are having particular problems on long indoor rides, consider stopping half way and putting on a clean pair of shorts.
It the problem persists, go see a doctor, mine gave me a stronger anti fungal cream to get the rash cleared up quick smart.
If you have an infection it may be lingering in your shorts, so try a slightly warmer wash, most things are washed at 30c and ‘can’ allow lingering bacteria to remain.
If you are a heavy sweater (like me) review your cooling on indoor rides.
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This and when you swap shorts use a pair made by a different manufacturer. A different pad will put some pressure on different locations. You can do the same with socks and shoes if you have issues in those areas.
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Inside or out! I used to tease riders that packed underwear/shorts for rides with long mid, or end points. But no longer!! If it involves more than 10 minutes, I either leave early, or change to underwear/shorts. I also pack a couple wipes, like the ones for hemorrhoids, the witch hazel helps manage the nasty and feel fresh hopping back in the saddle.
I did a 5 hour trainer ride, and 
THIS!!! OMG, that was genius! Getting the clean/dry bibs on was somewhat of a struggle (the grippers) but this after a quick wipe from a baby wipe, and swab of some fresh chamois cream, and I felt almost like new, and just the time off is so nice! It was a brutal ride, but that took the edge off a lot of it.
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I have a hard time finding bibs ‘that work’, so I have a lot of current bibs that are the same manufacturer, but don’t want to discount just the idea of swapping for dry bibs, and doing things ‘down there’. It is so amazing for being able to continue the ride.
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A few years ago I started having some itch problems. I started with anti chafe and it didn’t help. Assumed it was jock itch and got all the sprays. Then moved on to salve, chamois cream, anything and everything. Nothing helped. Turns out it was eczema and all the crap i put on just made it worse.
Moral of the story, see a dermatologist if you try a few things and it still doesn’t clear up.
Roll the grippers inside out, pull your shorts on and then roll the grippers back down.
I now do this every time I put bibs on…it has been a revelation. No more stretched out grippers down my legs as I pull them on.
Wow, that’s genius. I almost love when the grippers fade, but then it’s yank city, trying to keep them from crawling up too much. I started really hating them when I was first getting into expensive cycle clothing but now have several favorite bibs that I wish the grippers were still there. It is possible to make long lasting leg grippers as I have old bibs that will still yank hair pretty well. Planned obsolescence, or an excuse to buy more.
Is there a way to replace missing/inactivated/dead grippers?
Yup…a buddy turned me onto the process earlier this year and it was a true “well, duh” moment.
Depends on the manufacturer and their ability to repair clothing…Pearl Izumi used to be able to do it, but I don’t know if they still do since relocating to CA from CO.
I contacted Pactimo once about it (team kit where the grippers got worn out)…would have been hapy with just replacing them with black grippers and they said they don’t provide that kind of service.
And that’s what I thought I’d get. They are in the business to sell more bibs. I had one set/pair that the grippers largely failed on the first wash. Major fail. The label said ‘hand Wash’, but sure… YOU hand wash them after every wearing. Who has the time? (I know there are people that do that though, and I just poked them🫣)