Recurring saddle sores
 

I've been getting saddle sores during riding season now pretty regularly for the past year. They aren't terrible, just threatening zits for now. When I commute I will wear the same shorts both ways, and then during training I will also train on the way home. Could this be the cause? Any easy solutions? I can't think of any other reason why I would get them. I have heard of cycle specific antibacterial detergent, anyone use this?

soooo many variables, but i would (and did) start with better hygiene. even if it doesn't completely solve your issues (for me ended up being an issue with my shorts) there's nothing wrong with making proper hygiene down there a good habit.

you can try searching for an article Dave Zabriskie wrote on proper main"taint"enance of your goods. i've memorized it. but for now can't seem to find it on the internet

In order of importance:

1a. Proper Saddle/fit
1b. Proper hygiene
2. Chamois Cream

You missed proper shorts. I had far more issues with cheap shorts with roughly sewn pads than with better ones. Also, too big shorts chafed like mad.

This.

yes.

Consider yourself lucky you don't have a fungus.

shave your ass.
No, really, I'm dead serious. Hair getting tugged by clothing is a major cause of sores, because the agitated hair is treated as a foreign substance by your body.

1. Bicycle fit - if the saddle is too high, you'll rock causing issues where your legs meet your torso. If the saddle is too low, you'll have too much pressure on your sitbones. And there are other fit adjustments you might want to look at as well. Right now I'm struggling with a saddle too low issue on the tandem we're borrowing.

2. Saddle - wide enough, narrow enough, right shape for your body ... and for me, leather so that it breathes.

3. Shorts - must be snug enough that they aren't moving around and causing friction anywhere, yet loose enough so you're not putting pressure on nerves. The padding must be the right width so that you are not sitting on the sitbones. Personally, I do much better with smooth padding rather than the padding that is formed and shaped into supposedly strategically placed lumps here and there.

4. Wash - especially if you're riding long distances on a hot day. Salty sweat can build up and can become a bit like sandpaper in places where you don't want the feeling of sandpaper. Simply washing with water and paper towels or baby wipes can ease a lot of problems.

And if you've got issues right now, when you get home in the evening after your ride ... wash yourself well (any soap will do), and then apply your choice of zinc oxide cream, tea tree lotion, or antibacterial ointment to get rid of the problem.

Good advice here on prevention. If the OP is talking about pimple/irritated hair type saddle sores rather than the chafing/abrasion type then this stuff is the serious treatment. But even Clearasil is better than nothing.

http://www.homepharmacy.com.au/images/photos/004375.jpg

http://www.raraequus.com/productcart...powder_300.jpg
I never tried it. But I'm thinking about getting a few bottles and giving them out as christmas gifts this year.

sooooooo, does this magic powder actually work on human butts?!?....or is this something you toss into the air as you ride to keep you safe from monkey butt drivers in North County?
To the OP, IF you get monkey butt, make sure you see a Doctor....hygiene, chamois cream, fit issues would be the least of your worries!:twitchy:

Ride safe-

Originally Posted by David Zabriskie: MAIN-TAINT-ANCE

An often overlooked part of being a healthy and fast cyclist is the taint. The taint is the part of your body that contacts your saddle. I believe the name was derived from the taint not being the parts that are well know by name: as in it taint that and it sure taint those! If you can’t comfortably sit on the saddle you taint gonna be able to ride your bike very far. This can negativly effect training and racing, so one must keep this area well main-taint-ed. There are three simple concepts to accept and follow: Cleanliness, Lubrication and Dryness. Trust me all of this was learned by experience! Here are the steps to follow:

1. Begin with a clean taint and chamois (if you are a hairy beast like me you may want to shave the area—USE CAUTION!)
2. Generously apply chamois cream
3. Ride, Train, Do what you do
4. Dismount bike (Follow the next steps immediately and without fail)
i. Remove chamois
ii. Shower
iii. Use a truly antibacterial soap like Hibiclens

5. Exit Shower
i. Dry taint with towel
ii. Dry taint with air

6. Either remain naked while making your after ride meal or use hair dryer

7. Antique yourself ala Jackass with a handful of Baby Powder

Why do we do this?

The chamois cream, helps reduce chafing that occurs while riding. There are a number of products out there and here are a few that I know work well:

Noxema
Butt Butter
Bag Balm
Assos Chamois cream
Sixtufit

Try them to determine what works best for you. Often when things are getting a bit raw I mix a few to exploit the full potential of each. Do yourself and your training partners a favor by not using too much. I have been known to have a little seep out of my shorts and it never fails to gain the attention of those behind me. Make sure your chamois is in good shape. Don’t use one that is old and worn out. After the ride get out of your shorts ASAP, you don’t wanna start growing mushrooms down there. Get into the shower and wash up, if you are having “problems” use Hibiclens, it is a surgical scrub and very powerful. I take it to races because each hotel has different soaps and who knows which could cause an irritation. After the shower make sure the area is dry either walk around naked for a while and let it air out or use a hairdryer. The final dose of goodness comes from a little shot of baby powder to the taint. By following these steps you should be main-taint-ing fairly well. If you are experiencing some saddle sores sometimes the only way to get rid of them is to stop riding for a couple of days. If it’s really bad you might have to see a doctor. I am sort of an expert so if you want you can send pictures and I’ll give you my opinion on the best way to proceed. PLEASE DON'T!

Oh yeah one more thing I think that can help is to shave all of that “bum fluff” down. It can be tricky, use electric clippers and be careful, I recommend a mirror.

-DZ

When I was experimenting with saddle position and bar drop, I got saddle sores. (I'd not had trouble before with them. Saddle was too high and too far back.) Made small changes to eventually arrive at the place that was right. I.e., saddle sores went away ... for the most part, and leg extension/knee-over-spindle was within reason. I'd look at your fit there first.

In my thankfully limited experience with saddle sores, zit-like sores are different than abrasion sores, although I've had what began as an abrasion develop into a zit-like thing. The zit sores develop from a hair follicle that gets infected, caused by excessive friction. Chamois cream. Every ride for me.

pics or it didn't....forget it. nothing.

hot epsom baths are good, also good for the muscles

All of the above + consider adjusting saddle angle. I fought pimple type sores for 2 years and then angled my saddle down a couple of degrees from level and solved the problem.

That was my experience too. I used to get them in the Spring as miles and intensity increased. Then I adjusted the saddle and they went away. Later in the year, I tilted the saddle back and no problem until the next Spring.

I second this suggestion.

I would start by taking an extra pair to work so you can ride with a clean pair on the way home. I'd also make sure I cleaned and dried the area after each ride. I've used Gold Bond medicated powder and like it.

Everything above. Technique-wise make sure you're not shuffling around on your saddle. If you have to adjust do it off the saddle. Scooching around is bad. Make sure your shorts fit properly. If they're loose they'll move around causing friction. GL

But has it been tested on animals?

I would advise against shaving. Shaving bumps and ingrown hair could make things worse. If you must maintain because the other suggestions fail then pluck the offending hair. I know, not fun but better than sores.

Edit: These days waxing is also an option...

I got some for my wife but she denies using it...

Thanks for all the responses, I'll try adjusting the saddle angle, getting more shorts and gold bonds.