New Saddle = New Sores

[ChillyWilly]

So ladies, I want to hear from ya'll about saddle sores. What product do you recommend?

Pros?

Cons?

Thanks!

[Dogmama]

A & D lotion - the kind that they use for diaper rash. Also, tea tree oil or cream can be helpful.

[kermit]

I usually try and lance it (pop it) after a hot bath and then 10% acne cream dries them out quick. I'm talking about the kind that look like hard little blood blisters, uuuuggggghhhhhh!

[OakLeaf]

Depends on what you're talking about exactly.

If it's chafing/abrasion - calendula ointment or Nubutte (which is useless as a lubricant IMO, but nice as a healing ointment)

If it's small pimples - thoroughly wash and pat dry, then dry with rubbing alcohol or alcohol gel (careful where that goes! )

If it's a large pimple or boil - squeeze or pop it with a needle to remove the blockage, then clean and dry the same as with small pimples

[tzvia]

Hibiclens. It's a great scrub, antimicrobial. Good for road rash or cleaning saddle sores. I then like to use an acne gel to help dry it.

I rarely get sores, and if I have any kind of raw rough skin down there after a ride, it's because I either forgot or did not apply enough shea butter or butt cream. The best saddle sore is the one you did not get- so look at the clothing, saddle and bike fit to minimize their appearances.

[buffybike]

I've been treating one with various products for over a month now.

What hasn't worked for me: acne cream, tea tree oil, A&D ointment

What HAS helped: cleaning with alcohol wipes IMMEDIATELY after the ride and putting on clean shorts/pants. Applying Bag Balm.

I tried popping mine, but only blood came out. One day later and it still looks the same (like a medium-sized pimple). So. Frustrating.

[ChillyWilly]

Saddle Sores: It appears my problem came about from not using a lube of any sort for a 50 mile ride on a new saddle in a lesser quality short. A and D helped heal very quickly.

I'm learning from my mistakes. I'm using a "little dab will do ya" even on short easy breezy rides. And my skin is adapting to long periods in the saddle.

By the by, prior to probelm I had two bike fits, the last being awesome, and my sit bones measured and saddle selected specifically for my rear gear and I invested in a higher end short rated best quality for long rides. (to my amazement, I didn't know shorts were rated by length of ride). I just didn't know about using creams first.

So I think I'm going in the right direction. Just put in 45 miles with no problem.

[WindingRoad]

Speaking of saddle sores, ugh, I got one too. I commute almost every day but a few of weeks ago I got caught out in the rain and noticed a little irritation once I got home. I don't wear bike gear to commute cuz it's only 3 miles each way. I guess when you get a little wet it changes things b/c I have had this thing close to 3 weeks now. I've been sitting on a heating pad trying to get it to come to a head but it just stays hard, hot and sore. It's so freaking annoying! There's a hard core underneath the skin, is that normal?