rideintexas

What exactly are saddle sores? Where on the rear end area do they occur? Please help me self diagnose myself. Also, how do you treat and prevent saddle sores?

lotek 

saddle sores are ingrown, infected hair folicles, usually occuring in the region that your
saddle contacts your buttocks. Saddle sores can also occur where there is irritation
to hair folicles (groin area where you really don't have direct pressure).
Prevention/treatment is pretty simple, cleanse the area really well with an antibacterial
soap (hibicleans, Phisohex (derm?). betadine solution. these will help prevent sores
and are good for treating them when they first appear. Large sores will usually take care of themselves (i.e. they rupture) but some can get pretty nasty and require medical treatment.
I know of at least one case that required surgical treatement.
Time off the bike will help, as will hot (sitz) baths to draw out the fluids.
One other thing is always wash you shorts after riding, and never ride with the same
short (unwashed) twice (or more).
Butt Butter, Chamois creme etc. will all help keep the area lubricated and help avoid
those caused by friction/irritation.
Do a search on Saddle Sores, there have been alot of threads about em.

Marty