Are saddle sores inevitable?

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 :(

fyi This is a saddle sore:

http://heartlandhorserescue.org/yaho...161916_std.jpg

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Originally Posted by Ana

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.

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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'.

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Originally Posted by BleeckerSt_Girl

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'.

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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 :)

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

Might be just the ticket for you!

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/boi...SECTION=causes

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.

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Originally Posted by 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.

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

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.

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.

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.