Skin Under Sitbones vs. Pressure On Saddle
 

I am aging (54, 10 pounds heavier and softer) and I feel that this is one of the reasons I am experiencing a problem much more frequently than in the past. I am increasing my time on the bike - unfortunately somewhat sporadically due to my work schedule. The problem is the ease of a single pimple-like irratation, not a full blown saddle sore but painful none the less, that develops right under the sitbones. I am using racing saddles (Turbo, Titanium Rolls, and old Avocet Racing 1) that I have been fairly happy with over the years. Other than getting old the only change is I am not getting in my aero tuck anywhere near as much as previously, I am a fomer USCF racer. I guess I am posting this in hopes of someone who has solved a similar problem giving me a quick fix. I don't see a Brooks in my future, but I could be swayed, maybe...
Thanks to all in advance.

Brooks won't help.

Keep the area super clean.

Sir, my hygiene is impeccable.

would maybe just riding bigger gears and standing more help?

of course there are cushier saddles that aren't quite lazy-boys as well. early on in my cycling career i settled on the wtb speed-v and have stuck with it ever since. while it is definitely not a racing saddle it isn't quite a full-on comfort saddle either. they work for me and anytime i try a saddle with less padding it hurts immensely. i am not trying to sell you on a speed-v but you might want to try a slightly softer saddle. they ain't just for old ladies on hybrids in my experience... as a bonus the more padding a saddle has the less it seems to cost, so you wont spend a ton trying some out.

Some chamois cream seems to help for me. I don't know if it's the lubrication or the anti-bacterial properties, but worth a shot perhaps. I use Chamois Butt'r.

Still, using rubbing alcohol regularly will help. Oldtimers say that it "hardens" the skin!

Luis

Oddly enough I have been eyeing the WTB Speed V. I will try alcohol as well. I am starting to feel better already! Skin neeeds air, butter on my backside feels wrong and is messy, but I may resort to that, thanks!

I solved all my saddle sore problems with one simple change: of course I have always showered after riding, but some years ago I started using a dandruff shampoo on my crotch and butt. I start with that and leave it on while I shower the rest of me. I use it every time I shower. Never had another sore. I use green cap Selsun Blue, but I'm not sure the brand makes a difference. Alcohol may have the same effect.

Venturi, I notice you said you sit a little more upright. This rotates your pelvis back a little relative to the saddle, which moves your contact points out a little on the saddle, and actually exposes different areas of your skin to the pressure of your weight. It may also have increased the weight on the saddle, resulting in reduced hand pressure.

Bottom line is, your weight is supported differently than it was in the past. Maybe you are stressing skin that was not stressed in your earlier cycling career.

Perhaps your saddle should slide forward a few mm to add to the support for your new sit bone contact area.

I think my comments are similar to Rowan's last two paragraphs.

Good ideas, but it is strictly a skin issue. I can roll the inflamed bit of skin in my fingertips. I am in the same position as always, but it just seems like I never ride in the drops for very long.

I could have written the OP a few years ago, but I have been working on my problems and I mostly have things under control now.

I used to have trouble with the pimple type saddle sores back in the day when I rode similar saddles to the one you mention. My butt has changed since then, and those saddles don't work for me at all any more. I changed to a fizik Alliante and padded shorts. Chamois cream seems to solve most of the problems I haven't solved with the other changes. I always had saddle sores at the beginning of the year, but eventually things would harden up and I would be ok. That takes longer into the year for me now. Right now, I am not having much trouble with saddle sores, hopefully I've broken the code.

When I have those pimple over sitbone issues, I use a bit of Clearasil after showering. I don't think ultra cleanliness is really the answer since I've never had ill effects in those times that I could not clean as well (touring) as I normally do.

Clearasil is made for pimples after all.;)

My most effective change was to switch from Sugoi/Specialized bibs/shorts to Craft L3's. Thinner more effective pad. Lasts 400 km easily.

Tea trea oil works better for me in the OP's situation than even triple antibiotic.

Sea Breeze, Witch Hazel, and AD Diaper Rash Cream after the fact since I haven't found a way to prevent as of yet.