Ass Blisters

[Jono123]

Hi,

Apologies for graphic detail.

I erg 6 times a week, mostly for an hour at a time. I seem to develop blisters or chafing down the inside of the bum cheek, i.e. towards the middle of the crack. Is there any way to avoid this? I tend to row in an unisuit, which I thought were meant to minimise chafing...

Many thanks.

[ArmandoChavezUNC]

You can purchase a seat pad from Concept 2, or make yourself one.

I doubt changing the material you wear will make a difference, it's probably more just the fact that you have little biological padding on your butt.

[bepah]

Jono,

I had the same problem for years and solved it through observation.....after looking ar other ergs, I noticed that I had installed the seat on backwards....after reversing it, the problem went away. My wife is using this a great entertainment with her friends,....check it out.

[Rhutch]

Another thing you can try is Bodyglide, I use it in the summer to stop chaffing in my crotch while running.

[kakattack]

You may also want to try padded rowing or cycling shorts. Aside from the added comfort provided by the padding this type of shorts are form-fitting and won't become caught in the sliding-seat mechanism.

[Rumping]

One cause can be sweat. If you're not 'catching' the sweat before it drains down into your crack, it makes blistering really easy. Make sure your shirt (I prefer a moisture wicking compression shirt myself) isn't tucked into your shorts and fits tight enough around the waist to wick the moisture away and not let it drip down from your back into your underwear.

Since changing to a compression shirt I haven't had any problems with my backside while rowing. No padded seat needed to be honest.

[Rockin Roland]

It's not you. It's the seat. Those C2 seats are too big, wide and hard for long workouts. Designed as a compromise to be able to accommodate the butts of the obesse at the expense of eveyone else. The ideal seat shape is like those in a boat. Small curved and with a raised centre and holes in the middle to fit your butt cheeks in. They hug your butt and prevent it from moving around(which is the cause of the blistered skin).

The old C2 model B seats were much smaller and less likely to cause blisters(I like'd them better than current model seats). The best erg seats though are on the Rowperfect "indoor sculler" ergs. They are small, soft and have butt depressions to prevent blister causing movement.

Adding padding to the large broad C2 seats may not be the answer unless the foam is moulded in a similar shape as rowing boat seats.

[Bill]

Down at the bicycle shop today I saw some cream that might help you

http://aussiebuttcream.com/prevention.html

Probably just a variation of vaseline in a fancy tube.

Ask at local bike shop ?

Bill

[Rhutch]

Being a cyclist as well the thing to remember is keep it clean both your crack and what ever you're rowing in. Chamois creme is what the cyclists use it helps protect against saddle sores (which is probably similar to what you have)my favourite is Assos has a little tingle to it. If it's bothering you I suggest go see a doctor and get a topical antibiotic creme/ointment (if they aren't to bad you can try polysporin after you row and wash and before bed and after you clean yourself).

[Carl Watts]

Gee thanks Roland, I find the seat no problem even after 3 hours of rowing. The seat has to be designed to accomodate any user that sits on the Erg and yes perhaps C2 should just make 3 different seats sizes as options and put real GEL in them as well........ but you would just get told to harden up. Compared to sitting on a bike seat, it is like sitting on the couch for me.

Do check the seat is on round the right way, many people look at it and think it's wrong when in fact it is correct.

The big dwell in it goes at the BACK and the raised part is at the FRONT. If you don't beleive me then just sit on it backwards, it feels all wrong.

Use a cream, I frequently use a moisteriser in this region because I have two showers a day and it drys out like death valley. After every shower I apply some.

Don't row in cycle pants with the pading, it doesn't help. I use cycle pants without any padding.