A bike seat rash can ruin your ride and make your post-workout shower extremely uncomfortable. It also can develop into a sore that can become infected. However, don't despair because you can take some steps to avoid bike seat rashes. They're also relatively easy to treat if you do develop them. Always consult a health care provider before treating your rash.
Location
Your bike seat rash is most likely to develop on your rear end and upper thigh. Pressure and friction lead to the rash. Chafing along the inside of your thigh is extremely common, notes Arnie Baker, author of "Smart Cycling." You are likely to notice any chafed areas the moment the water hits your body as you shower, notes Tom Holland, author of "The 12-Week Triathlete."
Causes
If your shorts are not in good condition, you are more likely to get a bike seat rash. Shorts that pill and wear with friction can lead to discomfort and redness along your inner thighs, Baker notes. Shorts that are not made of breathable material and shorts that are wet also are more likely to cause a bike seat rash. Riding on a bike seat that is not positioned correctly and that is not the right fit for you can contribute to a bike seat rash as well, notes Susan Weaver, author of "A Woman's Guide to Cycling."
Considerations
A bike seat rash can lead to bigger problems--namely saddle sores. These occur due to chafing that allows bacteria to enter your hair follicles and sweat glands. The area becomes infected, and a painful sore that may be swollen and inflamed can develop. It's likely to be right at the point of contact with your seat, notes Dede Demet Barry, lead author for the book, "Fitness Cycling."
Treatment
If your bike seat rash becomes a saddle sore, do not apply pressure to it or try to pop the sore, advises Barry. Doing so will cause the infection to spread. Instead, place warm compresses on the wound several times a day. You may also sit in a warm bath, which will speed the wound along to the point of draining, Barry says. When your sore begins to drain, put antibiotic ointment on it. If you simply have a bike seat rash, you can use a product meant to treat diaper rash, advises "Bicycling" magazine. You can also use products specifically formulated for bike seat rash that contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and white petrolatum.
Prevention/Solution
Wearing synthetic- or chamois-lined bike shorts can help prevent chafing, notes Ed Burke, author of "Serious Cycling." Using petroleum jelly or a product formulated specifically to counter bike seat rash also can help you avoid this problem, notes Holland. Some of these are packaged to resemble a stick of deodorant. You can ensure your bike seat rash does not develop into a saddle sore by being extremely strict with hygiene, Barry advises. Wash your bike shorts after every ride and rinse them well because soap residue can irritate your skin. Also remove your shorts immediately after riding and take a shower or bath.
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