Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Road Cycling
Reload this Page >

Recurring Saddle Sores

Notices
Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

Recurring Saddle Sores

Old 07-07-11, 03:23 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: NYC
Posts: 624
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Recurring Saddle Sores

15 years of serious riding and not a single saddle sore...until a week and a half ago. I was on a 110-mile ride when the sky opened up and it started to pour around mile 40. Now I've ridden 110+ miles in the past in the dry, and I've ridden in the wet plenty of times, but I've never ridden 70 miles in a soaking wet chamois before. And boy did it suck.

I got home and hopped in the shower only to experience a pain that can be described as road rash on a 3rd degree burn. My points of contact had been rubbed completely raw.

Three days off the saddle, constant bactine and neosporine, and I was certain I was on the road to a speedy recovery. Went on a couple 30ish mile rides and felt like I was back to normal. Then, yesterday, I got back from a 60-miler, hopped in the shower, and felt that familiar sting...

Fortunately it wasn't that bad this time, but it got me to wondering, is this being caused because there is new skin there that is more tender? Two saddle sores in two weeks. I'm a little afraid this will turn into a downward spiral. I guess standard saddle sore practices apply that have been posted several times here in BF, huh.
rushbikes is offline  
Old 07-07-11, 03:35 PM
  #2  
Riding Off to the Next Adventure, RIP
 
hooligancyclist's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 184
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Your immune system might be down from the wet ride. Boost it if you can and see if it heals more quickly.
__________________
"Well, folks, here's the deal: I'm the best there is, plain and simple. I mean, I wake up in the morning and I piss excellence. You know, nobody can hang with my stuff. I'm just a....just a lean, shaven, American winning machine."
hooligancyclist is offline  
Old 07-07-11, 03:41 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
teachme's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Nederland, Texas
Posts: 1,441

Bikes: 2011 Specialized Sectuer, 1988 Bianchi

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Try teating the sores with cortizone 10 ointment.
teachme is offline  
Old 07-07-11, 03:41 PM
  #4  
Newbie
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 46
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by rushbikes
Fortunately it wasn't that bad this time, but it got me to wondering, is this being caused because there is new skin there that is more tender? Two saddle sores in two weeks. I'm a little afraid this will turn into a downward spiral. I guess standard saddle sore practices apply that have been posted several times here in BF, huh.
The standard saddle sore practice is to post a pic of said sore. More than likely, someone will recognize it and have solid advice on how to rectify.
droped is offline  
Old 07-07-11, 03:45 PM
  #5  
OM boy
 
cyclezen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Goleta CA
Posts: 4,340

Bikes: a bunch

Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 502 Post(s)
Liked 623 Times in 425 Posts
if you rubbed the skin down badly on the 1st ride, then it's likely gonna take a longer time for it to be less tender and less susceptible to further damage. Your's sounds really nasty.
Long rides in wet conditions are tough.
I guess you could call it saddle sores - but usually I think of infected hair folicles, sweat glands and such.
Strictly from personal experience I found a good snug/tight fit with really thin chamois works the best for me in wet conditions. This may be different with some of the newer chamois designs - wouldn;t know since I've not tried them all. I've done quite a few very hard rides over 100+ in varying states of rain, and not had much more than really cold privates. Course you gotta treat it all a little better after that kinda ridin.
Ideally the chamois pad should retain a minimum of moisture and not allow fabric movement.
were the shorts you have Gel padded? gel shorts may be the single worst thing ever in cycling kit.
cyclezen is offline  
Old 07-07-11, 04:22 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Near Sacramento
Posts: 4,886
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
You haven't given it enough time to heal.
__________________
-------

Some sort of pithy irrelevant one-liner should go here.
JoelS is offline  
Old 07-07-11, 04:53 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: NYC
Posts: 624
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by droped
The standard saddle sore practice is to post a pic of said sore. More than likely, someone will recognize it and have solid advice on how to rectify.
Hah! I can assure you, no one wins by having a picture of my tucus posted to BF.
rushbikes is offline  
Old 07-07-11, 04:56 PM
  #8  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: NYC
Posts: 624
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by cyclezen
were the shorts you have Gel padded? gel shorts may be the single worst thing ever in cycling kit.
Nope. No gel. Been riding a couple different pairs of Voler padded shorts w/o chamois cream for about 9 years now. First time they've failed me.
rushbikes is offline  
Old 07-07-11, 05:08 PM
  #9  
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 31
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Sound like raw skin more than saddle sore. Salt from your sweat really stings, don't it?

I have found Carmex lip balm works wonders on this kind of ailment.
BryGuy is offline  
Old 07-07-11, 05:28 PM
  #10  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: NYC
Posts: 624
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by BryGuy
Sound like raw skin more than saddle sore. Salt from your sweat really stings, don't it?

I have found Carmex lip balm works wonders on this kind of ailment.
Hmm...that actually sounds like a brilliant idea! Chapped lips and chapped behinds probably aren't a whole lot different. Besides, I've always longed for that menthol fresh feeling down below.
rushbikes is offline  
Old 07-07-11, 06:00 PM
  #11  
I like beans
 
eippo1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Meffa, MA
Posts: 3,353

Bikes: Tarmac Pro, Bianchi Zurigo, Raleigh Gran Sport, Fuji Del Rey, Ironman Centurion

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by rushbikes
Nope. No gel. Been riding a couple different pairs of Voler padded shorts w/o chamois cream for about 9 years now. First time they've failed me.
Perhaps it's time you invest in a couple new pairs of Voler's then?
eippo1 is offline  
Old 07-07-11, 06:27 PM
  #12  
roadie (mostly)
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 141

Bikes: Iron Horse Cyclone and a Jamis Exile

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by JoelS
You haven't given it enough time to heal.
I agree with this. It takes me about a week to completely get rid of saddle sores.
Impoliticus is offline  
Old 07-07-11, 08:03 PM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
surgeonstone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: South Bend IN
Posts: 11,218

Bikes: 1976 FRESCHI, 2004 Crumpton.

Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 925 Post(s)
Liked 21 Times in 10 Posts
Originally Posted by Impoliticus
I agree with this. It takes me about a week to completely get rid of saddle sores.
This. Forget the cortisone cream. Use a Zinc Oxide ointment and all should be well within a few days. Let it heal.
surgeonstone is offline  
Old 07-07-11, 09:47 PM
  #14  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: California
Posts: 324
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by surgeonstone
... a Zinc Oxide ointment ...
aka diaper rash creme found in the baby section of the drug store
valleycyclist is offline  
Old 07-07-11, 10:08 PM
  #15  
Senior Member
 
surgeonstone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: South Bend IN
Posts: 11,218

Bikes: 1976 FRESCHI, 2004 Crumpton.

Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 925 Post(s)
Liked 21 Times in 10 Posts
Originally Posted by valleycyclist
aka diaper rash creme found in the baby section of the drug store
Correct.
surgeonstone is offline  
Old 07-07-11, 10:34 PM
  #16  
Senior Member
 
Eclectus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Kansas
Posts: 1,875

Bikes: Cervelo RS, Specialized Stumpy, Schwinn 974

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Once you get an abrasion open-sore, it sucks. I posted one time about carrying extra creme to relube, got some flack, BUT IT WORKS. I've been riding a long time, I went to UCSD med school and taught there.

Just try carrying some good chamois creme, if you start to feel irritated, and are getiing off the saddle, try carrying some creme and relubing. If it doesn't work, what have you lost? A minute? But it does work.

Good short chamois pads are also key. I mostly ride Assos FI.Milles, but frankly, Gore Bike Wear Ozons are awesome, DeMarchi Contour Evos are very comfy, all have Assos-Cytech Elastic Interface Technology pads. They all do best with some mid-ride relubes. You're feeling a little abrasion discomfort. You relube. Ahh, that is much more comfy.

In coolere weather riding, you don't notice the issue so much. In hot 85-95 F summer-weather riding, you notice it.
Eclectus is offline  
Old 07-08-11, 06:06 AM
  #17  
meow
 
bostongarden's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Hint: check out my BF name
Posts: 5,831

Bikes: 2016 Parlee Altum, 2013 Cannondale Super Six Evo Hi Mod Di2 only, 2011 Cannondale Super Six, Dura Ace 7800, 2007 Cannondale System Six Dura Ace 7800, 1992 Bridgestone RB-1, MB-2, MB-3, MB-5

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by BryGuy
Sound like raw skin more than saddle sore. Salt from your sweat really stings, don't it?

I have found Carmex lip balm works wonders on this kind of ailment.
Exactly what I use for that rare time I get a sore. Works brilliantly! Apply for day time use, for riding and for sleeping. I've used the one in the jar and the tube, both will work well.

Also, feel free to apply a bandage if it can be done.

Good luck!
bostongarden is offline  
Old 07-08-11, 06:08 AM
  #18  
meow
 
bostongarden's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Hint: check out my BF name
Posts: 5,831

Bikes: 2016 Parlee Altum, 2013 Cannondale Super Six Evo Hi Mod Di2 only, 2011 Cannondale Super Six, Dura Ace 7800, 2007 Cannondale System Six Dura Ace 7800, 1992 Bridgestone RB-1, MB-2, MB-3, MB-5

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by eippo1
Perhaps it's time you invest in a couple new pairs of Voler's then?
Maybe. I have shorts from 20 years ago that I still use now and then with no issues.
bostongarden is offline  
Old 07-08-11, 06:12 AM
  #19  
meow
 
bostongarden's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Hint: check out my BF name
Posts: 5,831

Bikes: 2016 Parlee Altum, 2013 Cannondale Super Six Evo Hi Mod Di2 only, 2011 Cannondale Super Six, Dura Ace 7800, 2007 Cannondale System Six Dura Ace 7800, 1992 Bridgestone RB-1, MB-2, MB-3, MB-5

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by surgeonstone
This. Forget the cortisone cream. Use a Zinc Oxide ointment and all should be well within a few days. Let it heal.
Indeed. Be smart. It's your call whether to take time off the bike. I tend to be able to keep riding and racing through them. Were it super bad, then, yeah, common sense would likely mean some time off the bike.
bostongarden is offline  
Old 07-08-11, 10:15 AM
  #20  
John Wayne Toilet Paper
 
nhluhr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Roanoke
Posts: 1,952

Bikes: BH carbon, Ritchey steel, Kona aluminum

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
In all honesty, you should be treating this with a LOT of respect. I once attended a memorial ride with the NC Bicycle Club in Moore County NC for a guy who was paralyzed due to a spinal infection that all started with saddles sores. Your ass is a bad place to have festering open wounds. Take care of it.
nhluhr is offline  
Old 07-08-11, 10:56 AM
  #21  
I like beans
 
eippo1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Meffa, MA
Posts: 3,353

Bikes: Tarmac Pro, Bianchi Zurigo, Raleigh Gran Sport, Fuji Del Rey, Ironman Centurion

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by BryGuy
I have found Carmex lip balm works wonders on this kind of ailment.
I assume that you'd want to get different canisters for your lips and your posterior. My wife often steals my lip balm and this might be a good way to make sure she never again does.
eippo1 is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 04:41 PM
  #22  
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 31
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by eippo1
I assume that you'd want to get different canisters for your lips and your posterior. My wife often steals my lip balm and this might be a good way to make sure she never again does.
...and don't "double dip". Kinda goes without sayin'.
BryGuy is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 06:19 PM
  #23  
Banned.
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 97
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
On th subject/off the subject, how many people on here have had th PERINEAL NODULAR INDURATION. OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 3RD TESTICAL. for those who haven't its this hard chat that is only common to cyclist that will appear in th groin area under re skin. Its caused by micro trauma to muscles repeated trauma like sitting on saddle for to long. Its not cancerous but feels like a marble inside the skin. Biopsy has shown no. Cancer or liquidy middle only fibourous growth. Some people say it will go away and some say it needs to be removed

Anyways I developed one a month ago from th original saddle I had on said bike. I have since changed saddle and rode with said bump. Over the last 2 days I have now gotten a sadle sore there from the hard chat like ball pressing between th skin and saddle. So now I have to figure out how to treat my first saddle sore. Has anyone else experienced the perineal modular induration or 3rd testicle as people call it
JAMES_AMTRAK is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Psychbiker
Fitting Your Bike
7
09-06-18 10:40 AM
guidosan
Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling
13
08-12-18 10:04 AM
landesb
Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)
13
07-20-16 07:44 AM
Reeses
Road Cycling
20
01-01-12 08:52 AM
09 NYTRO RDR
Road Cycling
4
08-15-11 02:00 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.