By David Buzzee
Editor's note: I reviewed Lantiseptic Skin Protectant in the November 2005 issue of American Randonneur. The manufacturer of that product sent me about a dozen samples and I gave them to RUSA members through Topica's Randon list. Ohio rider David Buzzee was one of the recipients (see his article, "What We Ride," on page 32) and he kindly sent in this "road test."
Product tested: Lantiseptic Skin Protectant.
The label reads, Pressure Sores "Stage I, II), Reddened skin, Adult diaper dermatitis, As a skin barrier for incontinence." I thought, Is this really what I need?" But memory of distress early in my riding career, along with a small sample to test, and an impulsive agreement to try it, drove me to this evaluation.
Test conditions: First time on the bike in eight weeks, no residual calluses from the fall rides.
Weather: heavy fog, high humidity, 50 degrees temperature, changing to intermittent sprinkles and mid-60s temperature.
Distance: 200 Km.
Terrain: flat to rolling.
First impressions: This stuff is really thick, the thickest and stickiest salve I have used. Unlike vasoline-based products, it does not initially feel greasy but feels more like heavy cake icing. The texture is very tenacious. It is in fact purified lanolin, off-white in color, with other ingredients to improve usability, maintain shelf life, and provide a mild suitably medicinal odor. I scooped up a modest amount (a lump perhaps the size of a largish grape) and applied it to the skin. The generous layer which remained on my hand did not easily wipe or wash off. I anticipated that on the proper application site the material also would stay where it started.
Ride experience: The product behaved the way it should. Riding 200 Km in wet shorts did not remove the layer. I suffered absolutely no abrasions or chafed skin where the product was applied. It was not necessary to re-apply during the ride. The product I previously used, an over-the-counter triple antibiotic salve, did rub off when I rode in wet shorts. This new salve did not and I remained unblemished. I used the previous product with antibiotics to prevent sores and boils from infections. With the new product I also got no sores or boils on this short ride. Lanolin has no antibiotic properties but the protective and lubricant layer provided by this cream may prevent minor skin tears which lead to boils. All in all, I was very pleased with the results of this trial. The next real test will come when I do a multi-day ride.