There’s almost nothing as painful as dealing with saddle sores during cycling. They really hurt. If you try to just suffer through the pain and hope they’ll go away on their own, you can end up with much bigger problems. Don’t ignore them, because a sore can get worse and turn into a hard, persistent lump called a cyst which can sometimes even require surgery for removal.
Here’s a baker’s dozen of preventive tips that should keep you from developing saddle sores or cysts.
—Always wear clean shorts.
—Wear snug-fitting shorts so the liner can’t shift and chafe.
—If your shorts (or saddle) are uncomfortable, find something more compatible with your anatomy.
—Use a chamois lube to reduce friction and abrasion.
—Get out of shorts ASAP after a ride.
—Shower or at least wash your crotch ASAP after a ride.
—Wash with an antibacterial soap if you’re susceptible to sores.
—Treat “hot spots” with an OTC acne gel or the prescription product called erythromycin (Emgel).
—Sleep without pants to keep your crotch dry overnight.
—Consider a course of antibiotics at the first sign of infection.
—Be sure your saddle’s height and angle are correct.
—Stand frequently and shift position on the saddle to relieve constant pressure.
—Take several days off if a sore is getting angry. Better to heal it now than let it become something that only a scalpel can cure.
Saddle sores are a big subject. Here are three terrific articles written by our expert contributors that cover them in great depth from different perspectives.
A Primer on Saddle Sores, by Rick Shultz
A Guide to Saddle Sores, by Arnie Baker, MD
How to Solve Saddle Sores, by Fred Matheny
Me and my cycling buddies that have gotten saddle sores and cysts use a product called Prid. It’s a topical cream that works great. It can be difficult to find but my local huge multipurpose store has it in the health care section. It’s very gooie and takes a few washings to get out of shorts but is well worth the effort.
I’ve gone through a dozen saddles, 6 or 8 different brands of shorts, and tried about every type of cream, salve or powder I can find without success. 6 months ago I was in my LBS telling them my problem. They recommended dznuts pro. It is by far the best product to relieve saddle sores that I’ve tried.
I ALWAYS use chamois cream so I’ve NEVER had a problem.
I hate chamois creams, but discovered that Body Glide (which I first bought as an aid in wrestling on a tight wetsuit) can be applied to one’s bum just like a stick deodorant goes on your underarms, and works quite nicely. It is completely mess-free and just waxy enough to prevent any chafing, but is easy to target by putting it directly on your spots of concern instead of on your shorts. I’ve had no issues at all since I started using it.. Apparently, there is a variant now from the same company called “Cycle Glide” which I haven’t tried but certainly will when my current supply of the original product runs out.
I immediately wipe down with witch hazel, an astringent. Have been fine since doing this
I used to get them, but since I’ve been adopting a modified surgeon’s scrub, I’ve gotten exactly zero, I simply wash my crotch with regular soap [no need for antibacterial, which I worry may encourage antibacterial resistant strains over time] for 90 seconds; a good hard scrub with my hands. No need for chamois creams. Simple and cheap. I do, however leave a layer of soap on me before putting on my shorts.
I’m still trying to figure out what works best for me to prevent/reduce saddle sores. Right now im using anti monkey butt powder and making sure to keep things clean and dry down there. I think investing in some higher quality riding shorts or pants will help out too.
Readers have also made several suggestions on this page.
https://www.roadbikerider.com/how-to-solve-saddle-sores-2/
Several comments about oregano oil. (I have never tried it personally.)