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Saddle sores

A saddle sore is a skin ailment on the buttocks due to, or exacerbated by, riding on a bicycle saddle. It often develops in three stages: skin abrasion, folliculitis (which looks like a small, reddish acne), and finally abscess. Because it most commonly starts with skin abrasion, it is desirable to reduce the factors which lead to skin abrasion. Some of these factors include:

Reducing the friction due to bobbing or swinging motion while pedaling, by setting the appropriate seat height.
Selecting an appropriate saddle.
Wearing good cycling shorts, with chamois padding.
Using petroleum jelly, chamois cream or lubricating gel to further reduce friction.

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If left untreated over an extended period of time, saddle sores may need to be drained by a physician.

In horses, saddle sores commonly form around the front girth area and are usually caused from riding out-of-shape horses too long or hard, or from having the girth too tight. Reducing friction is also of great help in preventing equine saddle sores.