Saddle sores are an annoying side-effect of cycling that most serious riders have experienced at some time or other. At best they mean uncomfortable riding, and at worst they can keep you off the bike altogether.
Put simply, a saddle sore is an irritation of the skin that occurs in the area where you are in contact with the saddle, caused by chafing and sweating, among other factors. People new to cycling are often more affected as their skin isn't used to the pressure and rubbing associated with sitting on a saddle for hours.
More experienced riders are generally less susceptible, but that doesn’t mean that they never get them. Sean Kelly, the Irish cycling legend, was forced to pull out of the 1987 Vuelta a Espana while leading the race with just two days to go, because he had sores so bad he could no longer sit on the saddle.
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So what exactly are saddle sores?
Any discomfort is your body letting you know that something is not right and can quickly develop into visible and painful conditions known collectively as saddle sores.
Ischial tuberosities are your ‘sit bones’ and these bony prominences – which bear most of your weight when riding, along with your perineum (the area between your anus and genitals) – are the primary pain hot spots.
Chafing
Folliculitis and furuncles
Skin ulceration
How to avoid saddle sores
1. Choose your saddle wisely
2. Check your positioning
3. Use a good chamois
3. Try chamois cream
4. Keep it clean
How to treat saddle sores
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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