QUESTION: I’ve recently developed a couple of cysts on my upper leg and buttocks. Is this caused by irritation from my cycling shorts? Bacteria? What are the remedies? — Jon B.
RBR REPLIES: Cysts and other skin eruptions where the saddle meets the shorts usually result from abrasion. The skin’s surface always contains bacteria. When friction breaks the skin, bacteria can enter and cause infection.
To prevent it, use a saddle and shorts that are compatible with your anatomy. Check your saddle’s height. It it’s too high, your tender tissue will be sawed across the nose on each pedal stroke, increasing abrasion.
Buy shorts with a smooth, lightly padded liner and wash them after every ride. Use a skin lubricant, such as Chamois BUTT’r (available in bike shops) or Bag Balm (drug stores) to protect against abrasion.
Finally, as soon as your ride is over, get out of the sweaty shorts and into the shower. Scrub clean with soap.
We also have more detailed articles about saddle sores and saddle cysts that you might find helpful.
I suffered from cysts when I played football, tennis and had to go to the University of Michigan to get help. One thing they said is never scratch your butt or skin as you are opening small microabrasions which will let bacteria in.
We teach how to prevent this in my bike fitting course.
So, where exactly do you get shorts with a “smooth” liner? All the shorts nowadays have all these “anatomical cutouts,” some of which have pretty deep groves, holes , etc., which I find irritating. And, often, they don’t quite match my anatomy — too small or big, or not in the right place. What I wouldn’t give to have an old-fashioned “smooth” pad!
Wash BEFORE riding, or use a Stridex pad)..
Use exfoliating soap and benzoil peroxide scrub after. riding.
One thing that helped me is to clean the area really well, and then put a Nexcare bandaid over the cyst before putting the bike shorts on. The Nexcare bandaids isolate infected areas really well while riding, but if you use a chamois cream (I don’t), all bets are off … Then of course remove the bandaid and shower ASAP after the ride.