How do you prevent skin irritations?
A cyclist’s seat gets a hard time. For miles the rear rubs against a narrow saddle. Pants that were comfortable before can become quite irritating. What seating problems are there and how do you prevent them?
The friction between your clothes and your skin can cause chafing, abrasions, fungal infections or hardened spots on the skin. wounds in the skin can then ignite and lead to the ‘third ball’ feared among cyclists.
Cysts
A hair follicle – the point from which a hair sticks out – can become clogged, for example due to damage to the skin. Each hair has an associated sebaceous gland, which produces a type of fat that lubricates the skin. If the hair follicle is clogged, the sebum can no longer get out. A pocket (called a cyst) then forms under the skin filled with sebum and skin cells. Such a cyst can get bigger and bigger and if bacteria are added, it can become inflamed. sweat glands can clog and ignite in the same way.
A sebaceous gland cyst is harmless. Sometimes they open on their own and sebum and pus come out. You can have a painful cyst removed by your doctor. It is not wise to squeeze the cyst yourself. Sebum can then end up in the subcutaneous connective tissue and a significant inflammation can occur.
Boil
A boil is a red bump or spot under the skin that can be as hard as a stone. It is an inflamed hair follicle, caused by a bacteria, such as a staph or streptococcus. Boils are not dangerous, but they can be very painful. They are contagious, so stay away from them as much as possible, clean them with a disinfectant if necessary and wash your hands with soap.
In the past, it was advised to smear draw ointment on it, but that is of no use. Wait for the boil to open on its own and apply warm compresses if necessary to speed up this process. The boil then heals on its own.
Nine-eye, carbuncle, cabbage ulcer
These are all names for a number of boils that are together. Sometimes they are so close together that it looks like one big pimple with several exits. Such a nine-eye can be very painful. In severe cases, a doctor should remove it or treat it with antibiotics.
Furunculosis is the medical term for recurring boils. Staphylococcus carriers and people with reduced resistance or diabetes can especially suffer from this.
Tips
To keep your skin in good condition and prevent cysts and boils, take the following measures:
- Wear clothing that does not chafe, pinch or heat. Make sure that the seams do not irritate the skin. Good cycling shorts with chamois prevents saddle pain.
- Maintain good hygiene. Swap sweaty cycling clothing for a dry outfit immediately upon returning home and wash your cycling clothing after every trip. Keep the skin clean and dry.
- Choose a saddle that suits you and adjust your bike properly. A saddle that is too high or too low can cause problems.
Sources):
