I began commuting to work about 3 weeks ago. I did notice some chaffing, but nothing too crazy. I never let it heal though, and wearing the same BibShorts that I wore in the AM as I did on the way home I believe lead to Saddle Sores/some sort of infection.
For the last week, I haven’t ridden, but they aren’t getting much better. Neosporin hasn’t seemed to do the trick. I used a Benedryl Spray that helped, but didn’t cure and just started using Tea Tree Oil which helps, but also stings and stinks horribly.
I am wondering if anyone has had these and used something that actually works??
I occasionally get some sores when commuting a lot, never been bad enough to stop me riding but is annoying. Same as you, I put it down to wearing the same shorts for the return journey.
My tips for avoidance are the usual - clean shorts every morning (I’ve contemplated carrying a second pair for the return trip), and chamois cream for every ride. That means keeping cream at the office for me. Also worth experimenting with different creams.
Tip for treating them is nappy rash products designed for babies. Started using these when we had kids. Sudocrem is good for mild soreness, Metanium is more hard core for full on sores.
As others have said, bring a clean pair of shorts with you for the commute home in the afternoon and use chamois cream. I also stumbled a cheap, stock Bontrager saddle that worked for me over much more expensive seats. They don’t make it anymore so I have 2-3 more on standby! Perhaps you have an LBS who will let you test a saddle for a week and see if that helps. Some companies also have generous return policies on their seats just in case the one you get doesn’t work. Good luck! I know from experience that saddle sores will keep you off the bike if they get bad enough.
Sounds crazy but a mix of sudocrem and tea tree oil ( just half a small cap full) together is fantastic to treat then ward off any sores. Smell is a little much but the pain and inconvenience is worse.
Also, in lieu of a prompt shower, keep some basic disposable wipes available to freshen up saddle area after each and every ride. I keep them at work/home/car, etc.
Key is anti-friction. Chamois crème loaded up and slathered is important. Another is to shower/wash up after taking a deuce before riding to avoid contaminating an existing sore.
Lower your saddle 1 cm and I bet everything goes away. Even 0.5 cm.
The man speaks the truth! I used to get bad saddle sores all the time, lowered my saddle and I don’t get them at all anymore. I even ride with the same shorts, it’s the seat height that is probably caused an unnatural rocking back and forth.
x4 for Bag Balm. It’s cheap, easy to find, has waaaay more ‘staying’ power than other chamois creams and works far better than anything else I’ve tried. I recently tried DZNuts Pro chamois cream because several people here on ST spoke so highly of it, and it was nowhere near as good as Bag Balm (and ws $18 for a small tube on Amazon).
2.5% hydrocortisone cream. You’ll need a prescription in the US, but it’s a game changer. I’ve been on several multi-week cycling adventures, and someone always gets saddle sores. One guy rode 100 miles without touching his seat. That night he used the cream, and the next day he professed his undying love for me. Yes, it’s that good.
Well, the following classic from the archives seems appropriate. Everything you want to know (and much you don’t want to know) about our friend the saddle sore. Enjoy!
