If you have suffered from chaffing while riding your bike, or running, you may wonder if bike shorts can help…
Do Bike Shorts Help Chafing?
Bike shorts can be effective when it comes to preventing some chafing between the thighs. To do so, they need to be made with breathable fabrics, fit snugly, and be long enough to cover your thighs. Bike shorts made from moisture-wicking fabric is key. This can help you stay on your bike and continue your ride for longer without worrying about that dread of chafing.
While cotton is breathable, moisture can sit inside the cotton, contributing to that uncomfortable friction that leads to chafing. A moisture-wicking fabric is much more breathable, thin, and lightweight, helping to keep your body cool and dry. Moisture is one of the worst contributors to chafing when combined with movement and rubbing.
Since these fabrics have been created for the specific purpose of exercising, they can help reduce a lot of the common issues that sweat and consistent activity can cause. With how popular athleisure and workout fashion has become, it’s very easy to find bike shorts made with the right kinds of fabric.
What Can I Use For Bike Chafing?
Bike chafing can be incredibly uncomfortable, but there are ways to reduce the issue. You can start by using chamois cream before you cycle to try and prevent the rubbing. If you still get chafing, you can try ointments or diaper cream, but only after showering to clean the area.
Even though your thighs don’t directly run together when cycling, they can still end up chafing due to sweat and consistent activity. Bikers can also grapple with chafing in the groin area. You can try to take preventative measures by making wise choices with your clothing.
Wearing bike shorts that have built-in padding like a chamois is a good place to start. Some people will also wear compression shorts under bike shorts or forgo the underwear to avoid that extra layer that could potentially contribute to sweat.
How Do You Prevent Groin Chafing When Cycling?
The best way to prevent groin chafing when cycling is to use a lubricant around the groin area and inner thighs before putting on your bike shorts. Those bike shorts should be moisture-wicking, and they should also have a chamois.
You should also consider the underwear you wear, should you choose to wear any, when cycling. Opting for a seamless pair that is also made with moisture-wicking, breathable fabric is ideal. Many cyclists choose not to wear underwear when they have bike shorts with padding.
Why Do Cyclists Use Vaseline?
Vaseline is popular amongst cyclists as a preventative measure to avoid dreaded chafing and irritation. It’s a mild product that is easy to find, inexpensive, and tends to be safe for people with sensitive skin. Vaseline also helps cyclists avoid saddle stores, which is painful irritation that can occur in the genital and bum area.
Do Cycling Shorts Stop Chafing When Running?
Bike shorts can be helpful to stop chafing when running. This is ideal for hot weather when you don’t want to wear full-length bottoms, but your loose shorts lead to uncomfortable chafing between the thighs. Tight bike shorts will stay put when running, so your bare thighs have a protective barrier as they rub at a quick pace during your run.
How Do I Stop My Inner Thighs From Chafing?
Bike shorts that cover your thighs can prevent inner thigh chafing, as can choosing the right kind of breathable, flexible fabrics that will keep you as dry as possible. Aim for fabrics like bamboo, micro modal, nylon, or spandex.
Hydration is also essential; it helps reduce the salt in your sweat which can cause that uncomfortable burning to feel much worse. Using a lubricant like Vaseline or chamois cream before you get on your bike.
How Do Cyclists Protect The Genital Area?
There are a few ways to protect the genital area from chafing, irritation, and potential infection. You want to be sure the seat you choose is designed for your sex, and don’t skip the lubrication in your groin and on your thighs. Your choice of shorts and underwear is also crucial to keep yourself protected.
Once again, having a chamois is helpful as it is also made with an antimicrobial and moisture-wicking material. Make sure you take off your shorts and shower as soon as you’ve finished your bike ride.
What Heals Chafing Fast?
Chafing is very painful and shouldn’t be ignored. You have a few options to help speed healing, such as aloe vera, Vaseline, corn starch, and coconut oil. Corticosteroid cream can also be beneficial if your chafing is especially bad.
You should also make sure you keep the area clean and consider putting the bike away for a couple of days to let the area breathe and heal.
Why Do My Thighs Burn When I Bike?
When you’re riding your bike, you’re creating a lot of heat because of the constant movement. When there continues to be a lot of rubbing and the area gets moist, that’s what causes chafing, which can burn a lot. It is very uncomfortable as it makes it difficult to move without making that burning worse.
Outside of chafing, your thighs can also be burning because you’re overexerting yourself. When you continue biking even though your legs are tired, you’re building up lactic acid in your legs. This can be painful and can cause a burning sensation, though the burning doesn’t feel the same as chafing.
Why Do Cyclists Wear Smooth, Tight Clothes?
Cyclists wear clothes that are close to the body because it improves the aerodynamics of the ride, which contributes to overall speed. When looser clothes flare out due to the inevitable air that you’re cycling against, that air blowing into your clothing can slow you down more than you might realize.
Tight clothing also helps to keep your skin from chafing. When this tight clothing is made with the right materials, this tight clothing can also help to keep your skin dry.