Saddle Sores

[Becky]

I'm a big fan of tea tree oil (TTO) for its anti-microbial properties. I mix it into my chamois cream, and even have some TTO body wash for after rides (but I use it all the time 'cuz it smells so good!).

I'd probably dab some TTO on the sores to help them heal. But the old adage about "an ounce of prevention" rings true... Use chamois cream during rides (especially long ones) if you need it, change out of your shorts right away after rides, loose fitting clothes to "air things out" afterwards.

Feel better soon!

[indysteel]

I had my first saddle sore in May after a long weekend of riding. It was in the crease between by thigh and pubic area and was a large cyst and not an open sore. I used benzoyl peroxide (zit cream, basically) on it. I read that suggestion on another cycling forum I think. It cleared it up within a couple of days. Just be careful, the stuff will bleach your undies, shorts, etc. I tried other things like bag balm, hot baths, neosporin, with no success.

[aicabsolut]

I just got another one. It was really really really swollen yesterday (though it was relatively fine after my ride on Sunday). I did an epsom salts compress today to get it to drain some, which cut down on the pain a lot. My derm gave me a prescription for Zithromax. I've put off taking it, hoping it would just resolve itself on its own. It's turning into being like one I had in the same spot that lasted for a LONG time, so I guess I'm going to try the antibiotics and see how that goes...