Explained: What the Hell's a Saddle Sore?
We catch wind of the story occasionally, and always in too-vague terms: don't hang around in your spandex too long post-ride; it's warm, dark, and moist down there, which means that the prokaryotes taking residence on your hoo-hoos are (asexually) getting busy.
...and then?
I spent far too long half-expecting little mushrooms to sprout out of my chamois, so I'll spell it out here in no uncertain terms (forgive the distasteful language, but lesser-known medical terms just tend to make matters worse): saddle sores are butt-crack pimples. Okay, so technically, they start out as folliculitis and become abscesses, but you will recognize them as pimples.
To the best of my knowledge, they develop when friction and/or mild chafing introduce surface bacteria to deep pores and abrasions, and you know the rest. Leaving them untreated and continuing to ride can eventually warrant prescription antibiotics.
Rivendell's Bernie Burton, M.D. explains how to prevent them, how they develop, and how to treat them once they do.
In short, don't ignore your crack when you shower (none of those swift and cursory hand-swipes; I mean scrub with all the meticulousness of a surgeon prepping for the OR--at least 15 seconds for antimicrobial efficacy), and moisturize if need be. Some may not like the idea of having whatever-it-is-that-makes-ass-smell-like-ass on their hands; to those among you, would you really rather carry it around with you all day? And please (and I hope this goes without saying for the plainclothes crowd), wash your shorts before you ride in them again.
