I am lucky that I do not usually get them. (I must not ride enough) Anyways, I got one now, it is very inconveniently located, and it's not going away. Any remedy advice? I'm tempted to stick a needle in it to see what happens...
The needle is probably not a good idea: you could end up with a worse infection. I know others have experience with saddle sores here who will speak up.
Meanwhile, here you might find info on sliding scale clinics (presuming you are un- or under-insured).
http://bewellpgh.org/category/freesliding-scale-clinics/
Keep it dry and clean. You can use hemoroid cream to try and keep down the swelling and reduce the unomfortable feeling somewhat.
Hadnt though of this:
"Have a donut. In the foot-care section of drug stores, you'll find donut-shaped foam pads in several diameters. They're made for corns but can help you ride more comfortably with a saddle sore, too. Simply place it with the sore in the center of the cutout to relieve direct pressure. The adhesive backing will keep it in place"
http://www.roadbikerider.com/injuries/how-solve-saddle-sores
Order Lantiseptic cream online or try to find it in stores. Don't pop it. Lantiseptic has healed mine very quickly and I would advise to apply prophalactically in an area where you are prone to saddle sores. That stuff is thick and you need to have a napkin or towel to wipe it off of your hands after application but it works for me and it worked for several other randonneaurs.
Emgel (erythromycin) is real good. It was non prescription n USSR and main gel for me and friends. Lantiseptic is good. But I use neosporin first day nad then Lantiseptic. BTW even Office Depot carries Lantiseptic. For long distance I prefere use Butt'er or Assos anti-chafe. Thick Bikes, REI, Performance Bicycle, ProBikes carry Butt'er in stores.
stupid question, but... is a saddle sore the same as monkeybutt/chafing?
if it is, i've borrowed my niece's diaper rash cream before and it was somewhat helpful.
Well, it depends on general understanding of the term. As http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saddle_sores shows there are different stages (this is how I see it and could be dead wrong here): skin abrasion-- I think people call it chafing; folliculitis -- people call it rush; abscess -- this is what people call saddle sore.
I've found another interesting article about the subject -- http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/03/21/the-sorts-of-saddle-sores-and-their-sources/
If you have a pimple/boil type sore, it helps to spend soem time sitting on a hot, wet towel. Sometimes that wille ven help it drain relatively safely.
I've never used this stuff to heal a saddle sore, but supposedly you can according to the label. At very least it's a good chamois cream http://www.dz-nuts.com/
What's the difference between saddle sore cream and chamois cream?
Chamois cream you put on before you ride.
Lantiseptic is for prevention and treatment. That is why I use it a lot and often smell of it.
+1 Mikhail - Thanks for the Fatcyclist link. Good info there.
