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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
Saddle sores

lisasrunning

Aug 22, 08 15:52

Post #1 of 20 (766 views)

Saddle sores	Can't Post

Help! I am training for my first Ironman and am dealing with horrible saddle sores. I have tried different saddles, wear good bike shorts, messed with my bike fitting, have tried every cream out there it seems and nothing helps. I take two weeks off to heal and then they come back even worse. Any advice out there? I am miserable and am at that point in training that I cannot afford to continually take time off to heal.
Thanks a ton!
Lisa

onabubble

Aug 22, 08 16:02

Post #2 of 20 (752 views)

Re: Saddle sores [lisasrunning] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I just ride through them, it hurts for a while, I find it actually isn't so bad while I am riding, afterwards is when the sores really seem angry. Try re-applying chamois cream during your ride, like half way point of your longer rides. When I go anything over 60 miles, I always bring some extra Assos, it really seems to help. Just put some in a little plastic ziploc baggy and stick in your jersey, gets a little warm, but the soothing effects of the which hazel negate the warmth. FWIW I also use Gold Bond Powder after I shower every morning and right after showering after a ride, I read on this forum that it may actually help toughen up the taint, seems to help.

Jodi

Aug 22, 08 16:06

Post #3 of 20 (745 views)

Re: Saddle sores [lisasrunning] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Ok, so here is the deal.

If they are like huge (golfball sized) you need to go get them cut open

You need to shower before and immediately after each ride

Never wear your shorts twice

Never wear underwear

Put Preparation H on them at night. Really. This is like the miracle elixer.

Jodi
http://joditris.blogspot.com
Team Timex 2009!
Avia Shoes

onabubble

Aug 22, 08 16:12

Post #4 of 20 (743 views)

Re: Saddle sores [Jodi] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Prep H, I have not heard of that one before, makes sense though. I am going to give it a try.

Snap!

Aug 22, 08 16:18

Post #5 of 20 (734 views)

Re: Saddle sores [lisasrunning] [In reply to]	Can't Post

yep, PrepH-Gold Bond med. powder, and... Epsom salt soak baths which I do end of day. Also, you can go commando (w/out undies) unless you wear a thong, the others elastic edges seem to ride right where I get saddle sores. One thing- make sure your shorts aren't too BIG- they need to be snug.

Bryancd

Aug 22, 08 16:28

Post #6 of 20 (721 views)

Re: Saddle sores [Snap!] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have also found A & D ointment to be a great cure.

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!

2008 ZOOT Ultra Triathlon Team

tessitori

Aug 22, 08 16:44

Post #7 of 20 (709 views)

Re: Saddle sores [lisasrunning] [In reply to]	Can't Post

U know the rules! Pictures or it did not happen ;)

fatbastardtris

Aug 22, 08 17:26

Post #8 of 20 (670 views)

Re: Saddle sores [Snap!] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've had the same problem but gold bond seemed to make it worse or at least no better. I hadn't heard oh Prep H being a good thing so I will try that out. For the poster... are you a heavy sweater? I've concluded that I am and that is a major contributor. I think the assos cream might not help me because I sweat it off too quickly though I apply generously. Regarding saddle, perhaps the nose is a bit too wide if you have larger thighs.

xraycharlie

Aug 22, 08 17:40

Post #9 of 20 (662 views)

Re: Saddle sores [fatbastardtris] [In reply to]	Can't Post

An overly wide saddle can also chew you up if you've got narrow hips. Great post concerning saddle selection:

http://forum.slowtwitch.com/...rch_string=;#1907007

I've finally had some improvement on the saddle sore issue after abandoning the Ariones I had on two of my bikes in favor of narrower saddles. Also, I second the recommendations of showering promptly and going commando. I'll also use a little triple antibiotic cream after longer rides, if anything stings when I shower.

marathoner31

Aug 22, 08 17:43

Post #10 of 20 (656 views)

Re: Saddle sores [lisasrunning] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I actually just got rid of a persistent painful one by trying a friends remedy. None of the traditional remedies I've read on ST worked for me, so I tried this and it was gone in 3 days. I scrubbed the area real good, almost raw (yes, it hurt real bad) with a washcloth. After getting the area completely dry, I put rubbing alcohol on a cottonball and secured it to the saddle sore with medical tape. I kept it there for 30 minutes. After I removed it, I put on boxers to keep the area dry. I slept with them on to keep that area aired out overnight. I would clean it with the alcohol 3 times a day and did the 30 minutes with the cotton ball taped to it again for 2 more days and now I'm feeling great!

Aztec

Aug 22, 08 17:51

Post #11 of 20 (645 views)

Re: Saddle sores [lisasrunning] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I don't think any of the topical remedies really work. What I do now is immediately get to my dermatologist. She injects it with cortisone, I think. It's usually gone in two days after that at most. Much faster than if left alone or Prep H is put on it, etc.

I think it comes from the hair follicle and is a friction issue, not a bacteria problem. So this means that all the soaping and scrubbing in the world isn't going to help -- before or after. Lube up when you ride, and go to the dermatologist when you get them. Note that she also offered to laser the follicles to get rid of the ones that I'd kept having trouble with. If yours are that much of a problem, there's your ultimate solution.

**************
Too grumpy from various injuries to have a signature line.

bikinpolitico

Aug 22, 08 20:53

Post #12 of 20 (589 views)

Re: Saddle sores [lisasrunning] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Assos chamois cream, I mean lots of it. Put it on like its going out of style. You should feel squishy, like your riding on the cream, not your shorts. This may feel weird but stick with it. Reduce to a normal amount (say 1/2 to 1 golf ball size) and continue using after it goes away. Never ride more than 30 minutes without. This was my only savior when I had bad saddle sores.

I also agree to with the others to remove your bike shorts immediately at the end of your ride. If you are not going straight to the shower, put on lose fitting shorts or pants with boxers. Wash the affected area really well and never wear dirty shorts.

http://AustinBikeBlog.org
Your one-stop resource with everything you need to know to use a bicycle for your everyday life.

zane

Aug 22, 08 21:13

Post #13 of 20 (571 views)

Re: Saddle sores [lisasrunning] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Found that this product "crotch guard" works well for me. Same product with different labels are used by amputees to alleviate rubbing problems with prosthesis, and to treat burning from radiation treatment. (Compared with those problems, saddle sores are not such a big deal.)

http://www.cdisports.com/...&products_id=450

I found it while having the same problems as yourself.

Enjoy your first Ironman!!!!!

Zane

r hill

Aug 23, 08 8:30

Post #14 of 20 (482 views)

Re: Saddle sores [lisasrunning] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey Lisa - Goodluck on your first. My gf is doing IMLou next weekend (this will be her 2nd attempt after a heartbreaking DNF at IMAZ due to medical) and has been dealing with a similar issue for the last couple of weeks. We searched ST, google, and ultra cycling forums looking for the remedies. We tried several of the remedies and with it being so close to her race a couple of weeks ago she went to see her doc. She was given antibiotics because it is an infected follicle/pore. It's almost like a really large/deep zit. If it is deep, topical creams will tend not to work as well because they can't penetrate as deep. Her doc informed her that if it didn't go down it would need to be lanced and drained. She did that this past week, and is now just nursing the incision, as she continues her meds.

My nickels worth, would be to see a doc. Especially since there has been reoccuring sores. From what I've read and what my gf's doc mentioned, the concern with reocurring is the infection and what type it may be. Better to go and have it checked now than to let it fester. Just tell the doc that you MUST continue to ride! :) As far as what to lube with - I've heard (but havn't used) that Bag Balm is one of the best for those who have trouble.

Hope that helps - Happy Training.

Chappy

Aug 23, 08 11:56

Post #15 of 20 (429 views)

Re: Saddle sores [Aztec] [In reply to]	Can't Post

What is a saddle sore? An abrasion or something more like a cyst? I've never had a problem, riding 16 years, but now have a 3cm or so hard-tissue anomally that's messing with my pedal stroke. I've got to sit just right or there is significant ouchiness. I see the doc next week and will have him take a look.

Tri tri again

Aug 23, 08 12:23

Post #16 of 20 (412 views)

Re: Saddle sores [lisasrunning] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I agree with all the advice to get your sores checked out with a doc, but wanted to add that I use a GREAT cream called Bikini Zone used to soothe razor burn. It contains Lidocaine and has wonderful numbing properties. It's not necessarily a lube... I put it on and let it soak in for a little while before I apply creams if I use them. But sometimes I find that less cream is more and I've had fewer saddle sores without cream. Everyone is different. But Bikini Zone is MAGIC!!

Jodi

(This post was edited by Tri tri again on Aug 23, 08 12:25)

vols fan

Aug 23, 08 13:23

Post #17 of 20 (379 views)

Re: Saddle sores [lisasrunning] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I would keep trying different saddles. I'm a woman, but I ride a man's saddle, Serfas Cosmos. I can't add much more, I've only suffered from them once or twice, once it was the shorts, the second time it was the saddle.
_______________________
"I really don't think life is about the I-could-have-beens. Life is only about the I-tried-to-do. I don't mind the failure but I can't imagine that I'd forgive myself if I didn't try."
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tailgunner

Aug 23, 08 13:56

Post #18 of 20 (357 views)

Re: Saddle sores [vols fan] [In reply to]	Can't Post

i have heard that they tend to occur on the side that has the least mobility, ie if one hip is tighter than the other. this has proven to be true for me. prescription strenth cortisone works well. wash with something like hibiclense thats effective against staph bc that would be a lame place to get an infection.

TriElvis

Aug 23, 08 16:58

Post #19 of 20 (305 views)

Re: Saddle sores [lisasrunning] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Ive had saddle sores from HELL and solved all within 3 to 4 days with the following.

2 gms amoxil BID for 4 days
After washing affected area, apply 2 1/2 % Hydrocortisone Oint 2 to 3 times a day

That and never riding with anything but a clean pair of shorts on a clean crotch with whichever chamois lube you prefer

Bumble Bee

Aug 23, 08 18:17

Post #20 of 20 (287 views)

Re: Saddle sores [Chappy] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Sounds like a saddle sore.

Also try acne medication as these are a type of acne.