How To Prevent Saddle Sores Through Cycling- Bicycling Related Skin Problems

Put simply a saddle sore is a skin ailment around the area of the buttocks, perineum and scrotum. Problems are mainly found around the ischial tuberosities (sit bones of your pelvis)

1. Skin abrasion due to chaffing from cycling
2. Folliculitis and Furuncles from cycling
3. Skin Ulceration from cycling
4. Ishcial tuberosity (sit bone) pain cycling
5. Subcutaneous Nodules from cycling

1. Cycling related chaffing- skin abrasion

Skin abrasion while cycling is caused through chaffing on the medial side of the thigh. This is from the resultant friction which cycling as the inner thigh rubs against the outside of the saddle. If you take a look at an old saddle it will likely have rub marks on the outside of the nose area.

Chaffing from cycling leads to skin inflammation which causes redness or the skin, dry skin and mild discomfort. If this is left untreated this may lead to severe inflamation, maceration, ulceration or even a secondary infection. Therefore it is imperative to prevent chaffing.

Treatment of irrated skin due to chaffing from cycling is usually in the form of a low dose steroid cream prescibed by a doctor.

Why do cyclists use Vaseline?

Cyclists use Vaseline to prevent chaffing while cycling the simplest technique is to smear a layer of Vaseline/ petroleum jelly to the inner thighs as this provides a lubricating barrier which helps to prevent chaffing while cycling.

2. Furuncles and Folliculitis

Furuncles and Folliculitis are inflected glands caused by chronic sweating, irritation, chaffing and pressure. This is usually due to the bacteria staph-aureus and strep-pyrogenes inhabiting lesions.

Treatment of Furuncles and Folliculitis from cycling is usually through antibiotics prescribed by a doctor however in extreme cases surgical incision may be required.

Furuncles and Folliculitis problems from cycling when severe can cause a cyclist to withdraw from an event or even require an operation. Professional Cyclist and former world champion Oscar Freire of Team Rabobank has had numerous problems due to saddle sores which has affected him competing- including needing an operation which has kept him out of the 2011 Tour De France.

3. Skin Ulceration from cycling

Skin Ulceration from cycling is caused when the epidermis (top layer of skin) is broken down and subsequently leads to severe pain. This is usually caused by pressure and rubbing leading to skin irritation. Excess fabric from baggy trousers or underwear that bunches together is often a cause of this in recreational cyclists.

Treatment of this condition is usually through rest and antibiotic therapy.

The best way to avoid skin ulceration from cycling is through wearing specific cycling shorts as these are designed not to have seams and excess fabric in the wrong places. Cycling shorts also allow sweat to be wicked away from the body which can help guard against infection.

4. Ischial tuberosity pain from cycling

Ischial tuberosity pain is common in people who do not cycle regularly. It involves tenderness and redness of the skin overlying the ischial tuberosity of the pelvis where the cyclist sits on the saddle.

Prevention of ischial tuberosity pain is through wearing comfortable padded cycling shorts and also choosing the right saddle design which suits the particular rider. ischial tuberosity pain often subsides over time as the body becomes used to the pressures and the skin toughens.

5. Subcutaneous nodules from cycling

Subcutaneous nodules from cycling are primarily a condition experienced by Elite and Professional cyclists. Subcutaneous nodules from cycling are pseudocysts which develop posterior to the athletes scrotum and are sometimes referred to as a 'third testis'. They develop due to microtrauma to the perineum due to saddle pressure.

Treatment of Subcutaneous nodules from cycling may require surgery if they become a handicap.

1. Buy some specific Lycra cycling shorts. Cotton shorts can hold sweat which leads to extra chaffing around the groin area. Proper cycling shorts fit correctly in all the right areas. They also contain an internal 'chamois' or pad for extra comfort and to avoid pressure sores.
2. Feel too self conscious in Lycra? Get some baggy cycling shorts which contain an internal cycling short with padding while preserving your modesty.
3. Lower friction which can lead to chaffing while cycling by applying a lubricating barrier cream like a specific chamois cream or alternately use Vaseline/ petroleum jelly.
4. Find the right saddle for your body. Many cycling shops now offer test saddles to try out for a period to ensure that it's right for you. Many saddles are now available which have a central cut out which removes perineal pressure.
5. Keep yourself clean and feel from bacteria. Clean well after every ride to ensure bacteria is killed off and not allowed to breed and lead to infections.

Hopefully this will help you to be more comfortable and saddle sore free cycling in future.

Happy Riding- CyclingFitness