Pathogenesis:
(1) pressure on the skin (analogous to development of a pressure sore or decubitus; pressures while riding may reach 34 kPa or higher, with the risk of skin injury at pressures >= 7 kPa)
(2) abrasion of the skin and skin "burn"
(3) moisture
Risk factors for saddle sore:
(1) bicycle riding in a seated position for several hours
(2) hard, unpadded bicycle seat
(3) unpadded bicycle shorts
(4) ill-fitting bicycle shorts causing abrasion
(5) high load on the bicycle seat (from body weight and/or equipment being carried)
(6) moisture from rain or sweating
(7) novice rider or early in the season
(8) improper positioning of the seat
(9) pre-existing edema or skin irritation in the region (including an early saddle sore)
(10) numbness in the region (early signs of irritation may go unrecognized)
Complications:
(1) infection
(2) ulceration
(3) pain
