Riding bikes is not only fun but it’s a great way to stay fit. As much as people enjoy going out on their bikes, they most definitely don’t enjoy getting some saddle sores. Unfortunately, this is one of the uncomfortable aftermaths that surround cycling. People get saddle sores from riding bikes and they irritate the groin area. The sores appear around the uppermost thighs and are mostly caused by:
- Heat
- Friction
- Pressure
Saddle sores treatment varies because the sores too, do vary in nature. Since the saddle sores can manifest in a variety of ways, there’s no exact science for treatment. How they’re treated depends on what the symptoms are.
What to do to prevent saddle sores
There are several things that cyclists can do to avoid getting saddle sores. These include:
- Choosing the saddle wisely. Try out a couple of them before choosing one that’s right for the needs at hand.
- Investing in a great pair of shorts and keeping them clean
- Positioning properly on the saddle. This minimizes side-to-side movement on the saddle.
- Working on increasing the distance cycled gradually
- Showering before and after the ride to help in minimizing the build-up of bacteria
Saddle sores treatment options
There is no guarantee that following the above-listed tips will keep the saddle sores away forever but they sure are helpful. So what happens if one does what’s supposed to be done and still gets the sores? What are the saddle sores treatment plans available?
One thing that people need to understand is that treating saddle sores is not difficult. But if the patient has any complications he should consult a healthcare professional. Some causes for concern that would require a person to see a doctor include persistent sores or prolonged outbreaks.
Here’s how people can treat saddle sores once they get them:
- Keep the area as clean as possible through quick rinses and hot showers. Use no fragrance soap. Cleanliness reduces sweating and bacterial multiplication which would otherwise make the problem worse
- Apply Vaseline on it. Tea Tree oil is also quite useful. Both of them are easily available in most chemists.
- Wear breathable knickers preferably those made from natural fibers. Otherwise, they will be suffocated and this provides breeding grounds for bacteria.
- Rest up the area. This part of saddle sores treatment requires some serious cutting down on the time spent on the saddle.
Conclusion
Saddle sores are an annoying side-effect of cycling that can get very painful. A lot of cyclers have experienced this at one point or another in their lives. The sores result in uncomfortable riding and in some extreme cases can keep riders off the bike until symptoms disappear.
Part of saddle sores treatment requires cyclists to take a few rest days to allow their bodies some time to heal. In the meantime, they are advised to keep things clean and dry down there and consider applying an emollient.