Saddle discomfort

Whether you’re a Sunday cyclist or a high-level athlete, injuries spare no one. They make us sad and grumpy and deserve an explanatory sheet for each, using the 5W1H method. The idea behind this series of short articles is to better understand them, adopt the right behaviors to avoid them, and know what to do to recover better.

I thus propose to cover, each time, in the form of the “5W1H” (What, Who, Where, When, How, Why) and in as many articles as there are recurring injuries in cycling and triathlon, all possibilities of frustration related to forced rest.

After the knee, the collarbone and the spine, this time I offer you an explanatory sheet – still using the 5W1H approach – this time for saddle sores.

By Jean-François Tatard – Photos: Frédéric Poirier

WHAT?

Saddle sores are irritations in the posterior seating area. This can lead to infection of the pilosebaceous follicle and evolve into a boil, which will then require local antibiotic treatment, or even an incision.

WHO?

Is it necessary to recall the Fignon episode in the 1989 Tour de France? Some riders are more fragile than others. It is not uncommon to see some cyclists protect themselves with local Cetavlon before the race or training. A good spread of cream. And for the night, as for a baby, a Bepanthen massage before going to bed.

WHERE?

The irritation is located at the beginning of the seating area. It is sometimes superficial folliculitis that can develop at the hair follicles. In this case, there is no other choice but to treat with local antiseptics. Such as Biseptine solution, then apply a little aqueous Eosin, letting it dry for a few minutes in the air.

WHEN?

For particularly sensitive cyclists, I recommend a tanning solution for the buttocks as a preventive measure before each ride! But most importantly, you must test it at least once well before the race, as some cyclists may develop an allergy.

It’s a bit like for a marathon runner. Almost all marathon runners tan the soles of their feet several times before their race.

HOW?

Good local personal hygiene, with soap – even a gynecological one – helps prevent chafing. Furthermore, proper care of your cycling shorts is also a key element. They should be hand-washed after each ride, with a mild soap, and rinsed thoroughly. Or, at worst, machine-washed. But you should never put on dirty cycling shorts!

Similarly, avoid tumble drying. Also, do not use fabric softener. The older generations used to air dry them. That’s the idea. Do not dry them on a radiator either. That’s a bad idea. Gently moisten the chamois pad of the cycling shorts if necessary. By the way, there are cycling shorts with gel padding if that’s the solution.

And for novices, avoid cycling with shorts, briefs, and boxers, and above all, do not wear underwear under your cycling shorts! Never!

In the case of boils, local or even general application of Fucidine cream can be considered. In any case, it is essential to consult a dermatologist at the slightest doubt if simple folliculitis lesions turn into “cysts” because these cysts may need to be incised…

Some dermatologists use a very effective new prevention method, which is a very recent laser hair removal technique. It’s formidable!

WHY?

The most frequent cause of saddle sores for cyclists is to be found at the level of fine hairs, referring to “downy hair,” and these small hairs that tend to curl back and penetrate under the skin.

The choice of saddle is also very important. Soft saddles initially seem comfortable, but they eventually cause irritation due to friction. Their shape and width should also be taken into account depending on your anatomy.

CONCLUSION

In the next explanatory sheets, I propose to continue reviewing the injuries that most often paralyze us. We will thus see next time, head traumas, wrist pathologies, arterial endofibrosis, digestive pathologies, plantar fasciitis or otherwise called aponevrositis, Achilles tendonitis, periostitis, compartment syndrome, and pubalgia.

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