As an avid biker, ER physician Dr. Travis Stork wears ‘em. In the 90s, Princess Diana started the trend. But now, bike shorts are back in fashion as celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Blac Chyna sport them around town. They may be cool but from a health perspective, dermatologist Dr. Sonia Batra gives this trend a bust!
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Dr. Batra explains wearing tight bike shorts all day could have some health risks. Ongoing compression could cause something called meralgia paresthetica, which is where a lot of pressure is put on the nerves in the groin. This is more common in pregnant women and those who gain weight suddenly but even women who wear shapewear all the time could be at risk. That pressure on the nerves could cause tingling, some nerve irritation and a burning sensation.
Additionally, wearing bike shorts all day is going to likely cause some sweating and moistness and keeping that in contact with the skin for hours on end makes it more conducive to chaffing, yeast infections and other bacterial overgrowths.
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There is a product that can help with one of those aforementioned problems, chaffing. Dr. Batra gives the thigh band (which looks similar to a lace garter band) a buzz! It is to be worn in that area where the thighs or legs rub against each other or against fabric and result in irritation. Dr. Batra says these silicon bands are a clever solution! Some of The Doctors staffers tested them out and said if they were the right size and stayed in the right place, they did prevent that friction. If you don’t want to wear a thigh band, Dr. Batra suggests petroleum jelly or wearing bike shorts for a limited time!
