Possible saddle sores

thiscocks

Ive never known of having any before, but recently I have had some red marks on my buttocks (look like burns) after doing indoor spinning sessions. I have had a mark on the top of one of my butt cheeks for a while now and never thought it could be a saddle sore as it is in an area where its not touching the saddle, but now I have another lower down I guess it could be a case of sadle sores...

If riding on the road I always wear padded shorts but have never used the chamois cream as I have never felt any physical pain in that area. I have recently worn jogging shorts for some indoor training so I think this could be a mistake as they probably rub more than lycra ones?

The marks dont hurt at all, or to touch. I guess if they are sores they can get worse so has anyone any suggestions for cream/preventive measures? would be interested if anyone else has had similar experience...

Cheers,
Tim

alfablue

Okay - talking about serious saddle sores here...

The problem with serious saddle sores is that they are caused by compression and shearing of the underlying tissues rather than friction on the skin (though that can be an issue too). For serious ones (I suppose like Mark Beaumont got) the damage is occurring under the surface as the pressure restricts the blood flow (capillary occlusion and ischaemia), and ultimately the tissues die (necrosis), and open wounds may appear.

Reddening of the skin could be considered a grade 1 pressure sore, when the skin breaks, grade 2 (out of 5). If you are getting redness then a full blown sore may not develop, especially if you desist, but if the saddle time continues longer and/or occurs frequently, things can progress.

Prevention - creams, like chamois creams, may reduce friction and improve the integrity of the skin, but they will not resolve the issues of compression and shearing which are the main culprits of serious sores. These are reduced by frequent changes of position and sitting on a suitable pressure relieving support surface. 2 hours in one position is too long, and capillary occlusion can occur. You may not perceive pain to initiate position changes so this is something you should do regardless, on a frequent basis.

Other issues that can contribute to pressure sores will be skin condition, general health, use of drugs, hydration, nutrition, continence, cardiovascular disease, weight, fitness, age etc - obviously as a fit young cyclist some of these can be discounted, but dehydration could be an issue to watch.

A suitable supportive surface is not really a saddle! But given that this is all about saddles, which are the best? Some saddles can seem very comfy if the support coincides with the sit bones (saddles like Specialized BG, for example), however, this is concentrating all of the riders weight, and consequently pressure in two small areas, and the underlying tissues are compressed between the saddle and the sit bones. For prolonged use, such as when touring, a better saddle may be of the hammock type. I use a Selle An-Atomica saddle that has adjustable tension and will mould to your bum shape, thus spreading the support offered to the widest possible area, though still with most pressure around the sit bones, but probably less so. The saddle also moves under each sit bone on each pedal stroke, which may reduce compression effects. I have found it to be the most comfortable saddle I have ever used. Some Brooks saddles may offer some of these benefits (though not necessarily the movement). The Selle An-Atomica is not everyones' cup of tea, and I have suffered some mild ridicule for suggesting such an old-school 500g saddle before, but I value my ar*e to much to care

Add to the supportive saddle, a high quality padded short (Assos have a generous pad that seems to have the right density to offer support without compressing completely).

thiscocks

Good info there, thanks. I use a Selle Italia SLR XP on the road which I have never had comfort issues with. Ill keep in mind the moving around on the saddle point. I think the change to the crappy indoor ones I'm using at the moment might be the main problem.

So if my sores are at stage 1 (red marks) is there a recovery cream you can use on them when you are off the bike?

Cheers,
Tim

alfablue

whoops - double post

alfablue

I am not really that convinced about the healing properties of creams...I suppose at a push I might suggest Doublebase which is a simple moisturiser. More complex and "fancy" creams could cause more trouble than they're worth if you are sensitive to some of the ingredients.

alfablue

thiscocks wrote:

Ill keep in mind the moving around on the saddle point. I think the change to the crappy indoor ones I'm using at the moment might be the main problem.

Oh, and obviously use good padded shorts when indoors, too.

Blonde

I too have that selle anatomica (McWin) saddle as in the picture above. I have had them on all of my bikes since a few years ago now and I can recommend them. I even use the white version on my track bike. I suffered agonies with other saddles, with lesions caused by chafing, as well as the hard lumps caused by pressure, that people usually mean when they refer to saddle sores. I also had what I can only describe as acne/black head type spots on my saddle contact area which were very painful! Regarding the OP: Are you sure this isn't simply a reaction to sweat or even to washing powder mixed with wet/sweat? I have very sensitive skin and have struggled with washing powders/liquids and also with some shorts not being as breathable as others. I've experienced "wet" red patches of skin where nothing is obviously chafing, particularly after rides on hot days or when cycling in the rain without mudguards (due to road grit and sweat being washed over my @rse) Changing the shorts I used to assos (ladies versions, in my case) helped with that, as well as using gentle detergents and giving all cycle kit an extra rinse/spin. I think the leather saddle may also help. A leather saddle (as opposed to plastic with foam padding and leather cover) is more breathable. I now have a "secret weapon" too. I either wash or use FemFresh wipes (individually wrapped so can put in jersey pocket) when at cafe stops on me @rse to prevent sweat problems and it seems to be working as I dont get these patches any more. (I had previously tried baby wipes and Wet Ones wipes but found neither were very good at removing sweat and not convenient to carry. The Wet Ones were also far too astringent for my sensitive skin and if anything added to the problem!). If you think sweat or sensitive skin may be the cause, or at least, part of the problem, try all or some of: a diffrent detergent, an extra rinse of cycle kit, washing or using wipes half way through, a different pair of shorts, a more breatheable saddle etc and see if it helps. I find that a chamois cream can help to stop friction accuring - but it's not a cure once the friction has already happened! I use Udderly Smooth chamois cream once a month, when hormonal changes change my shape and I find I need it then, but not on every ride.

thiscocks

Cheers for that, Ill definitley look into the wipes. I think it could well be a sensitive skin problem. I may test out one of those an-atomica saddles, however I rarely ride for over 3.5 hrs at a time so not sure the benifits of a luxury leather saddle will be felt.

Cheers,
Tim