No matter how many years you spend mountain biking, there will always come a time when you will have to pay for the time you spent on the bike seat. Saddle sores or those painful red bumps around the groin area are very common among bikers. Bike saddle sores are mainly caused by friction, pressure, moisture, or all three together. These sores cause so much discomfort that some people who have them need a few days off the bike just to recover from it.

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What Are Saddle Sores?

A saddle sore can be caused by several different conditions, but it generally refers to any discomfort in the area where the chamois of your cycling shorts make contact with your body as a result of continued pressure or chafing.

Saddle sores are typically mistaken for pimples or ingrown hairs, and both are bacteria-filled pores. If saddle sores occur in sensitive areas such as the back of the thigh or the crotch, they can be excruciating.

Fortunately, there are ways to avoid and treat them.

How to Prevent Saddle Sores

Before going on your next ride, keep these tips in mind to avoid getting saddle sores.

1. Invest in durable cycling shorts. Chamois shorts are ideal cycling shorts because of the comfort and breathability their fabric offers without compromising support.
2. Choose the right saddle shape. Women need a special bike seat than men or else, it cannot provide adequate support during rides. Invest in a high-quality saddle that matches your body.
3. Use some chamois cream. This cream is a biker’s best friend. Apply it to the inner thighs and groin area to reduce friction and prevent saddle sores.
4. Shower after rides. Bathing after biking gets rid of bacteria buildup that can potentially cause irritation.

How to Treat Saddle Sores

1. Keep it clean down there. Rinse the area with warm water and use no-scent soaps to eliminate bacteria.
2. Put on tea tree oil. Use a cotton swab to apply tea tree oil on the area but avoid broken skin.
3. Apply a thin layer of Vaseline. Once the tea tree oil dries, use clean fingers to apply Vaseline to the affected area.
4. Wear breathable underwear. Moisture due to sweat can worsen the problem. Wear knickers made from natural fibers.
5. Rest up. Take some time off your bike until you are fully recovered. Riding with saddle sores will only trigger infections.

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When to See a Doctor

Checking in with your doctor is important for three reasons.

Your sensitive skin might have an underlying problem if you keep getting saddle sores. Talk to a dermatologist if your saddle sores keep coming back.

Second, if your saddle sore lasts longer than two weeks or is particularly painful, see your doctor. You might have something else going on.

Lastly, if your saddle sore becomes infected, see a doctor. When the skin is broken and bacteria get inside, saddle sores may become infected. A fever, chills, pain, pus, and fever are all signs of an infection that need antibiotics.

Saddle sores can be easily avoided if you follow our preventive tips above. Our tips on how to treat them may also help solve your painful problem. But if symptoms persist, seek professional medical attention immediately.

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