Saddle Sore

I see folks have been talking about Sudocrem here for saddle sores and I have a suggestion for some more over the counter products that cyclists who are also parents or carers might like to try...

Sudocrem is a very heavy waterproofing cream for nappy rash but it is thick and quite hard to remove afterwards without more rubbing or soaps on the sore area. If you are putting it on thickly, you will be suffocating the skin underneath. You only want a very thin layer. If the saddle sore is so bad that it weeps and needs the waterproofing to protect your clothing, you should probably be looking at an absorbent dressing anyway.

At the other end of the scale is Cavilon which is much lighter and goes on thinly as it is more of a creme. Again, just a thin layer is needed but it is easy to spread over and also to wash off.

An interesting alternative is Conotrane. It is a mid-weight cream and has a mild antiseptic property too. This one is not often seen unless you are in the Home Care industry but it is highly effective at dealing with groin rashes in adults as well as children. The light antiseptic calms down inflammation caused by bacteria but it is still light enough to go on easily and importantly, washes off too. Neither Cavilon or Conotrane will suffocate the skin underneath.

It would be perfectly feasible to take a little Conotrane or Cavilon and add a few drops of Tea Tree essential oil and mix it well with a small spoon. That way you would have a pot of your own antispectic cream that was also pleasant smelling.

1. Wash the affected area with a gentle soap (I recommend Faith in Nature) and warm water, no need for anything stronger.

2. Dry the skin then apply a small blob of Weleda nappy cream. It's the most effective thing I have ever used and contains no harmful chemicals.

I would second cyclesteffer's prevention steps.

Tea tree oil applied to the perineum and scrotum. If you're using neat tea tree oil you don't want to it get near thinner, more sensitive skin near the anus! If you read the ingredients of chamois creams, tea tree oil often features - it's a natural biocidal oil (hence why the plant produces it).

Some people find that they react to Sudocreme and this make the soreness worse and causes it to flare up again when it's on its way to being heald. My son has this problem, so be careful the sudocreme could be part of the problem. It may not of course.

To get over it quickly. Basically. 1) sleep nude. 2) go commando for a few days 3) Never stay in your Bib shorts for long after your ride has finished. Get showered and changed ASAP after each ride. 4) Always wear fresh Bib Shorts each day.

My comfiest shorts are Castelli, no ribs or ripples. 100 milers I call them

Having got my first saddlesore this week (it's a rite of passage, isn't it?), and with my first sportive next weekend I was looking for a similar answer.

I think my problem was caused by using cheap bib shorts (I use chamois cream, make sure everything is cleaned and dried before and after a ride). The shorts were very cheap, so it turns out that price and value are two different beasts. I had relegated them to commuting only shorts, but the detour I took to and from work in search of extra mileage probably took me further than the shorts could cope with.

I've been using sudocreme too, and it seems to be working.

So, asking for a friend. What are the views on hair removal in that area. <strike>I</strike> They won't be shaving legs any time soon, but does anyone have views on the efficacy of (sensitive) depilatories in the groinal region? Do shorter hairs reduce the risk of saddlesores, or is it entirely a friction/chamois cream/pad problem?

It is amazing the uses to which Sudocrem is used...  When you have kids, you buy a load and then you it never leaves your life again (like the kids, I suppose).

Check your saddle hasn't worn or sagged - I'm aware there's a problem with certain Selle saddles which have developed uneven wear. Check it with a spirit level - front, middle, back, and parts in between.

(I'm assuming that the saddle is the correct size in the first place, etc? )

The warmer weather makes us sweat more.  Stop riding until next weeks tour, you wont lose any fitness at all.  See doctor to make sure you havent got a fungal or bacteria infection.  You could self treat by using Canesten cream for a few days to elliminate chance of fungal problem, then use Sudacrem until things settle down. 

Use Assos cream every ride, it has anti bacterial as well as soothing for riding long distance

Wear loose under wear and keep clean, but dont scrub youself to death. Good luck