Are saddle sores inevitable?

[Ana]

I still consider myself a beginner, so I thought I'd post it here.

I've been hopping on my trainer more frequently to get in shape for the spring (I want to ride outside so badly but alas, there is snow and ice) and I wear bib shorts with chamois. I also use PowerGlide (antichaffing stuff) when I ride and shower before and after riding. I ride for 30-80 minutes at a time and take breaks from the saddle every 10-15 minutes.

I feel like I'm doing everything in my power to prevent them but alas, I am still experiencing a lot of soreness and possibly the beginnings of saddle sores.

So are saddle sores inevitable? :p

[kermit]

When I ride on the trainer alot I also get very sore. It's just the constant sitting making your sit bones sore. That will go away in time. The saddle sores could be poor saddle fit, or a technique issue. Are you getting chafed or getting those little blood blister type bumps? I was using a narrow SLR saddle and those popped up. Went to a wider seat with a cutout and no more bumps. If you are getting chafing/rubs you need to watch your pedaling technique. Sometimes on the trainer we get complacent and may move around more because we don't have to steer. Use a little thicker short for the soreness, and every few minutes get up out of the saddle. These are just my observations. You'll get more expert help from the pros on here. I quite honestly, always expect something. When I don't have an issue I am surprised but when sweating on the trainer, something always happens.

[alpha_omega]

Part of cycling is just paying your dues and toughening up your rear. You're going to have some soreness initially as you break in your butt. However, it should only be temporary.

As far as saddle sores, sometimes some people are just prone to them. You've got the right idea, but the body glide stuff doesn't sound like it's going to cut it. I'd try out some chamois cream, something like assos chamois cream (http://www.rei.com/product/723140), dznuts (http://www.dz-nuts.com/catalog/index.php?p=about), or chamois butt'r (http://www.pacelineproducts.com/Category.aspx?MenuElementID=56&FileName=Chamois_Butt_r). Apply liberally to both your shorts and posterior and your saddle sores should be gone. They'll reduce friction, inhibit bacteria, and prolong the life of your shorts as well.

Hope that helps.

[tulip]

I don't think they are inevitable. I had one in the 1980s when I as racing, but my bike was too big, my saddle was not good (not too many choices back then), and my shorts had real leather chamois in them (not very soft at times).

I don't ride a trainer, so I can't comment on that, but what kermit says makes sense.

Have you checked your position and fit on your bike, and have you tried different saddles? Are your shorts too big and do they bunch up? Do they have seams in the chamois?

[OakLeaf]

Search these forums on saddle fit.

Some soreness in the sitbones is to be expected as you ramp up saddle time. And of course when you're on the trainer you're in the same position for long periods of time, unlike on the road where you have a chance to move around and adjust your butt and shorts.

BUT, you shouldn't have to have chafing. A good fitting saddle and shorts are indispensable. Lots of people rely on lubes - and I'm one of them, I use paraben-free Beljum Budder (http://www.beljumbudder.com/) - but lube shouldn't be your first line of defense against chafing. I'm not familiar with PowerGlide, but most runners' lubes really aren't meant to be used "down there." Some of them have some nasty ingredients. Plus IMO a lube needs to be a little gloppy to be effective on a woman's external genitalia.

If you're getting clogged pores or ingrown hairs, definitely try a different lube, and avoid shaving or waxing the saddle area if possible (but do keep the hair trimmed). If you're prone to pimples in the creases between your butt and your legs, I sometimes dry and disinfect that area with a little rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or wad of TP after my shower.

If you think you have a cyst, search on that - several TE'rs have had nasty perineal cysts, some of them have had to be drained by a doctor.

[Ana]

I will do a search in the forum :) I had never thought about being in the same position for a longer time, without the steering...steering is so much more interesting ;)

I will also look into that Beljum Budder (it looks like something I'd love and a local LBS sells it!) and see if that helps.

I plan to have a fitting in the future but my budget is a bit tight right now. :p

My shorts fit fine :) They are tight enough not to bunch but I have sort of a small posterior for my frame so things fit a little funny on me sometimes. It took me a while to get accustomed to the tight fit of cycling clothes...

I've been trying to settle the saddle issue but the one I have now is decent and fits my budget (I have read many a thread about saddles and it sounds like an expensive search...) so I will wait on that one for the time being :P

I think I'll just heal for now and hop back on the trainer in a couple days :)

[indigoiis]

I have yet to get a saddle sore. On over 15 mile rides I use a "woman's" water-based gel and shorts with thin padding. I think fit has a lot to do with it and some saddles are just better than others.

[michelem]

I've experienced sore bum, but never actual saddle sores (thank goodness!). Even when doing 3 hr. rides on the trainer (go Coach Troy -- ha ha).

Personally, I've never used any type of cream. However, I recently read about a new product put out by HammerIt is highlighted in the January '09 newsletter and looks interesting: http://www.hammernutrition.com/downloads/ENews/ENissue61.pdf

Of course, make sure to patch test first to make sure you aren't allergic to any of the ingredients like I am! :eek:

Here's an excerpt from the article:

The Seat Saver® formula and rationale

Bill Misner Ph.D. writes, “Cycling in the heat creates significant pressure,
friction, and an increased risk of skin irritation to an enclosed skin-to-seat
area. Moisture, heat, and friction in an environment [that is] potentially rich
in microbial proliferation are a formula for disabling trauma. Reduced friction
added to reduce microbial proliferation is accomplished by a light application
of Hammer Seat Saver® to the chamois pad and another coat to the skin surfaces before riding. Science supports that these ingredients are highly effective anti-microbial and lubricating mediums.”

The rationale (supporting science) for each ingredient is as follows:

Pure Olive Oil - Topical olive oil reduces bruising, accelerates the healing
of calluses and resolves eczema caused by a deficiency of fatty acids.

Shea Butter - Topical Shea butter is a moisturizer and emollient. It is also a
known anti-inflammatory agent.

Calendula - Topical Calendula accelerates the healing of bruising,
calluses, corns, and reduces the inflammation associated with burns,
dermatitis, radiodermatitis, and eczema.

Yarrow - Yarrow has been anecdotally reported to suppress skin inflammation,
cleanse the skin, slough off dead skin cells and close the pores of the skin.

Chamomile - Topical Chamomile cream treats dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema,
reduces itching, dry skin, smooths out the lines and wrinkles, and accelerates
the healing of wounds.

Comfrey - Topical comfrey resolves eczema, psoriasis, skin ulcers,
accelerates the healing of bruises and wounds.

Zinc Oxide - Topical zinc oxide is a remarkable anti-microbial compound that increases endogenous gene expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 for wound healing.

Vitamin E Oil - Topical Vitamin E is an effective treatment or preventative
against dermatitis, eczema, dry skin, psoriasis, and damaged keratinocytes,
epidermal cells that produce keratin .

Basil Oil - Topical Basil contains antibiotic substances that destroy viral/
bacterial infections and heal minor skin wounds.

Clove Oil - Clove oil remarkably suppresses harmful bacteria (due to the
eugenol content of cloves), including Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and
Shigella flexneri.

Lavender Oil - Lavender (oil applied topically) inhibits the detrimental
bacteria. White (1999) recommends the use of (topically-applied) lavender
for the treatment of bacteria induced acne, because Lavender possesses
anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that may benefit
acne sufferers.

Peppermint Oil - Topically applied peppermint oil kills viruses and reduces
pain associated with neuralgia.

Tea Tree Oil - Topically applied tea tree oil reduces histamine-induced skin
inflammation and itching. Tea tree oil is the complete antibiotic that resolves
irritations to the skin caused by yeasts, molds, fungus, virus, and bacterial
proliferation.

References available upon request.

Wow, that’s quite a list of powerful, skin-protecting/lubricating ingredients…
there’s nothing like this on the market! And Seat Saver® is so easy to use: Prior to riding, apply a light coat of Seat Saver® to the skin surface that comes into contact with the bicycle seat and to the chamois surface on the inside of the shorts. Re-apply as necessary, keeping in mind that a little goes a long way. With Seat Saver® you’ll be able to enjoy your rides a lot more because you’ve got a very important “comfort factor” requirement fulfilled.

Also, though Seat Saver® was designed primarily with cyclists in mind, that
doesn’t mean that it’s just for those particular athletes. In fact, because
Seat Saver® is such a potent antichafing/ anti-bacterial cream, runners,
triathletes, and other endurance athletes find it to be ideal for helping to protect the skin from the discomforts of chafing and other caused-by-friction skin irritations.

Seat Saver® is now available in a 2-ounce jar and retails for $12.95. As
with all the Hammer Nutrition products, your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed, so give Seat Saver® a try.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I just use a hypoallergenic fragrance-free hand lotion. Cheap and gentle, and washes right out. It's lasted for me up to 70 mile long rides so far.

I've had some really sore sitbones on occasion....but never an open 'saddle sore'.
I'd say there was something definitely wrong if you are really getting saddle sores/open sores. But you didn't actually say you are getting open sores... being just really sore is another matter.

[spokewench]

I've been riding for 20+ years and if I am riding, I will eventually have saddle sores. I've tried many saddles/short combinations and for me, nothing has ever kept those little nasties from coming back. I have a theory that once you have had saddle sores, you are more prone to them and it is very difficult to keep them from forming.

Anyway, I do use some salves that have helped and keep them to a minimum, but for me, they are always a problem.

[OakLeaf]

That Hammer stuff sounds very similar to Nubutte.

Ingredient list: unbleached unrefined fair trade Shea Butter, Calendula, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Comfrey Leaf, St. John's Wort, Olive Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Witch Hazel, Tea Tree Oil, Vitamin E, Peppermint, Rosewood, Beeswax


To me, it's an EXCELLENT healing salve for any lesions anywhere on the body, and probably a good post-ride preventative if you're prone to saddle sores, but it's a crummy lubricant. :( JMO.

[Ana]

I've only had the boil-type abbesses so far :( But they are painful and keep me from riding. :p

[OakLeaf]

Ow ow ow. Yeah, I would definitely wash thoroughly immediately after your ride (if you're going to lunch/dinner with the club or whatever, change your shorts and use a baby wipe, then shower as soon as you get home), then dry and disinfect the area with alcohol wipes after washing and 2-3 times a day.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I've only had the boil-type abbesses so far :( But they are painful and keep me from riding. :p

Sounds like sebacious cysts to me. Do some searching using that term, perhaps you will recognize it as your problem and get some helpful suggestions.

[michelem]

I've only had the boil-type abbesses so far :( But they are painful and keep me from riding. :p

I've heard that soaking in warm epsom salt water may help . . . worth a shot???

[Ana]

Unfortunately, I do not have access to a bath tub :p

I don't think it's a sebacious cyst because it's not that big. I'm preemptively discouraging a full-blown boil by taking a few days off when my sit bone area is feeling especially tender (and I check for bumps!).

I know I'm being a wimp but I wanted to know whether saddle sores are a right of passage.

I do wash my shorts immediately after I ride (riding on the trainer right now). I shower directly before and after my ride :) The dry air from the winter doesn't benefit me any either, as the rest of my skin is dry and cracking :p :(

[Biciclista]

fyi This is a saddle sore:

http://heartlandhorserescue.org/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/Pictures-08.55161916_std.jpg

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I don't think it's a sebacious cyst because it's not that big. I'm preemptively discouraging a full-blown boil by taking a few days off when my sit bone area is feeling especially tender (and I check for bumps!).

I know I'm being a wimp but I wanted to know whether saddle sores are a right of passage.


No, sores are not a 'rite of passage'. Lots of people never have sores, cysts, bumps, or other problems when riding their bikes.

Subacious cysts are very painful bumps that can be between the size of a lentil to way bigger like a chick pea. They can be drained when they reach a certain point.

As far as I know, a 'sore' is not so much like a bump as it is a raw abraded area from too much friction- perhaps from a rough seam rubbing too long in one spot as you ride.

Are you shaving down there? If so you might want to switch to just trimming instead of shaving. It could be causing ingrown hair follicle infections which can become painful bumps filled with 'stuff'.

[Ana]

Are you shaving down there? If so you might want to switch to just trimming instead of shaving. It could be causing ingrown hair follicle infections which can become painful bumps filled with 'stuff'.

No shaving. My hair follicles and shaving do not get a long very well except for my legs :p

I'm off to check the bike store again for some Beljum Budder to see if it helps :)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Mimi's photo inspired me! I used to have a horse and we would put a sheepskin saddle pad under the saddle to rpevent saddle sores on the horse.

How about trying a sheepskin saddle cover for your bike?? Here's just a start to search for one:
sheepskin bike saddle covers (http://images.google.com/images?q=sheepskin+bike+saddle+cover&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2&hl=en&sa=2)

Might be just the ticket for you!

[ny biker]

Although you're already showering immediately after a ride, it might help to use some kind of antiseptic/antibiotic cleanser for a while in addition to regular soap, to make sure you're killing any bad bacteria that might be causing ongoing problems.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/boils-and-carbuncles/DS00466/DSECTION=causes

[salsabike]

That is what my doc---a major cyclist and all around jock--suggested when I was having them regularly. I would put on a little antibiotic creme or ointment before the ride, and also after my shower. It was a big help.

[Ana]

That is what my doc---a major cyclist and all around jock--suggested when I was having them regularly. I would put on a little antibiotic creme or ointment before the ride, and also after my shower. It was a big help.

Do you use the antibiotic ointment instead of chamois cream or in addition to it?

[salsabike]

I put a small amount of antibiotic ointment on first, and then I positively slather on chamois butter. And, by the way, the saddle sore problem has diminished over time and with saddles that chafe less.

[cylegoddess]

I got a harder saddles with a narrower nose( on bike) and found that trainer seat ( at gym,) gives me sores as it is too wide and too squishy.
I use Lucas paw paw ointment( at health shops) to lubricate and I find its the shorts seams that suck. Expensive shorts are worth it.

[emily_in_nc]

I got a chronic saddle sore (had to have it injected with cortisone by a dermatologist finally) from, I am almost positive, riding a too-narrow saddle that rubbed me in the wrong place right along the outer edge. I finally figured out that I wasn't balanced on my sit bones but riding right on the inner edge of them. The dratted sore didn't go away in months of not riding! :eek: It was kind of a boil, but filled with blood instead of mucus. Nasty. Switching (back) to a Terry Butterfly saddle ended up being the final cure, as it started re-appearing (even after the cortisone shot) right after I started riding on the narrower saddle again. I get some occasional chafing from the Butterfly on longer, sweatier rides, but that's a small price to pay compared to an actual saddle sore.