One of the most common injuries that you’ll have when you bike, skate, ride a scooter, or do any sort of outdoor sport, is road rash. Take a topple on a hard surface, and the friction between your skin and the ground makes a few layers of skin cells rub right off. This doesn’t usually cause a lot of bleeding or any serious injury, but it can be very painful, since that surface layer of skin does have a lot of nerve endings just below it. When all those nerve endings are exposed, it can be excruciating.
If you are someone who loves to bike or do any sort of fast-moving outdoor sports on pavement, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll get some road rash at some point. We share everything on how to treat road rash the right way, including several preparation tips for making it easier to treat in the future.
How to Treat Road Rash Right Away
Let’s say you haven’t really ever had road rash before, and this is your first time falling so severely. You haven’t ever really considered what to do about road rash before, so you don’t have a handy kit with you to treat this wound. Here are the steps you need to take:
- First, the wound needs to be cleaned as thoroughly as you can. This is the most important step in this entire care process. The road is covered in bacteria, dirt, grime, and various microbes. You need to get the wound sanitized. However, you’ll want to do this gently, because all those exposed nerve endings will be painful. Start by flushing away the worst of the dirt and debris by pouring a saline solution over the wound, and using a sterile wipe to wipe away the grime. Then use a mild antibacterial soap, like a hand soap, and a washcloth, to gently cleanse the wound. Rinse the wound with lots of water, and then pat it dry.
- A lot of people think that you need to scrub the wound, but doctors report that this is a myth. Using something like peroxide on this type of wound is not necessary. Water and soap are gentle enough but ample to clean the wound. If you have debris embedded in the wound that you can’t wash away gently, you should seek medical attention.
- Now that the wound is clean and dry, it should be dressed. The wound should only be covered for about a week while new skin cells cover the exposed nerves. A hydrocolloid dressing is perfect. However, if you don’t have this on hand, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment, and then cover this by a bit of gauze. Hold the gauze in place with a bandage and medical tape. The wound should be rinsed clean, and the ointment re-applied daily, and then recovered. At the end of a week, you should see fresh skin.
- After a week, the wound should be given time to heal in the air. During the healing phase, keep an eye on the wound. If you see anything like swelling, reddening, developing pus, or a bad smell, or you start feeling even more pain, you should see a doctor. This could be a sign of infection.
- The final stage of caring for a road rash is to make sure you protect the new skin from the sun. Use lots of sunscreen or cover the area with clothing, to protect the new skin until it is completely healed.
Long-Term Care
- Keep the wound clean: Change the bandages daily or whenever they become wet or soiled. Gently wash the affected area with mild soap and water before reapplying antibiotic ointment and fresh bandages.
- Monitor for infection: Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms, or if the wound is not healing properly, seek medical attention.
- Promote healing: As the wound heals, it may develop scabs. Avoid picking at the scabs, as this can cause scarring and prolong the healing process. Keep the area moisturized with a fragrance-free lotion or ointment to minimize itching and promote skin elasticity.
- Sun protection: As the wound heals and new skin forms, it will be more susceptible to sun damage. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to the affected area before going outdoors, and cover the area with clothing when possible.
- Scar management: Road rash can sometimes result in scarring. To minimize the appearance of scars, massage the area with a vitamin E or silicone-based scar treatment gel once the wound has fully healed. For more severe scarring, consult a dermatologist for professional treatment options, such as laser therapy or dermabrasion.
Preventing Road Rash
Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to really prevent road rash. You can protect the delicate parts of your body, like your hands, by wearing protective gear. But thin nylon biking gear doesn’t really do much against road rash.
Many bikers shave their legs because it’s much easier to clean a road rash wound if there isn’t hair in the way.
The best thing you can do for yourself is to get a good treatment kit, and keep it on hand when you are riding or playing outdoors. The things that you should have in the kit include saline solution, sterile wipes, antibiotic ointment, anti-bacterial soap, a washcloth, gauze, medical tape, hydrocolloid dressings, and a bottle of water if you aren’t going to be near a source of clean water.
Prevention Strategies
- Wear protective gear: Always wear a properly fitted helmet, gloves, and protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, to minimize skin exposure in case of a fall. Consider investing in cycling-specific clothing with reinforced panels in high-impact areas.
- Maintain your bike: Regularly inspect your bike for any issues, such as loose bolts, worn tires, or malfunctioning brakes. A well-maintained bike can help prevent accidents caused by mechanical failure.
- Follow traffic laws: Obey all traffic signals, signs, and lane markings. Ride predictably and use hand signals when turning or changing lanes. Being a responsible cyclist can help reduce the risk of accidents.
- Improve your skills: Enroll in a cycling skills course or workshop to learn proper techniques for handling your bike, navigating various road conditions, and avoiding common hazards. Many local cycling organizations and bike shops offer such classes for riders of all levels.
- Stay alert: Always be aware of your surroundings, including road conditions, weather, and other vehicles. Avoid distractions, such as listening to music or using your phone while riding. Anticipate potential hazards and plan your actions accordingly.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most cases of road rash can be treated at home, there are situations where medical attention is necessary. Seek professional help if:
- The wound is deep, gaping, or exposing underlying tissue or bone.
- There is excessive bleeding that does not stop with direct pressure.
- You notice signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or red streaks emanating from the wound.
- The wound contains deeply embedded debris that cannot be easily removed.
- You experience severe pain, numbness, or tingling in the affected area.
- Your tetanus vaccination is not up to date.
In these cases, visit your local urgent care center or emergency room for proper treatment. Healthcare professionals can provide more advanced care, such as wound debridement, stitches, or antibiotics, as needed.
Conclusion
Road rash is just one of the given risks of riding bikes, skateboarding, or having fun in any sort of outdoor setting. With a little bit of preparation, you can take care of this common injury and get back to your fun in no time.
Road rash is a common injury among cyclists, but with proper treatment and prevention strategies, you can minimize its impact on your riding experience. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to handle road rash and other minor cycling injuries. Remember to always prioritize your safety and seek medical attention when necessary. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can enjoy the many benefits of cycling while staying healthy and injury-free.