• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Become a Premium Member
  • About

Road Bike Rider Cycling Site

Expert road cycling advice, since 2001

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Bikes & Gear
  • Training & Health
  • Reviews
  • Cycling Ebooks
    • Ebooks Training
    • Ebooks Skills
    • E-Articles Training
    • E-Articles Nutrition
  • Member Area
  • Newsletter

I Got a Saddle Sore! Now What?

Question: After many years of riding and racing it finally happened — I got a saddle sore. It’s a small boil-like bump/sore at the crease where my leg meets my butt. How should I treat it? — Steve O.

Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Welcome to the club, Steve! Here are some methods of attack:

Treat it like a pimple. That’s basically what it is. Some riders have success with a topical antibiotic medicine like Emgel (erythromycin), which is available by prescription. Talk to your physician. You could also try an over-the-counter acne product containing 10% benzoyl peroxide.

Keep it dry and avoid irritation. Skin eruptions love warm, moist places and the location of your sore is a prime example. Wear boxer shorts instead of tightie whities. The leg band of briefs cuts across the junction of your glutes and hamstrings right where you’re hurting and will irritate the sore. Sleep without anything on from the waist down.

Take a hot sitz bath. This may bring the boil to a head. It’s never worked for me but some riders find it effective. As soon as you’re done in the tub, dry off, cool off, apply the medication and put on non-binding briefs.

It’s best not to ride until the boil is gone. But if you have to, install a different saddle to alter the pressure on your anatomy. Make sure the rear portion is wide enough to support your sit bones or you may trade one sore for another.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search

Recent Articles

  • Newsletter Issue No. 1054
  • ‘Connect’ to Diet-Reverses-Diabetes Study: Even If You Don’t Have the Disease
  • My New Bike: Trek Checkpoint SL 5
  • Weak Muscles Predict Accelerated Aging, Disability and Death

Recent Newsletters

Newsletter Issue No. 1054

Newsletter Issue No. 1053

Newsletter Issue No. 1052

Newsletter Issue No. 1051

Newsletter Issue No. 1050

Footer

Affiliate Disclosure

Our cycling expert editors and writers choose every product we review. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. This income supports our site.

Follow Us

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook

Privacy Policy

Still Haven’t Found What You’re Looking For?

Copyright © 2023 · Magazine Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in