How to Treat Road Rash After a Fall (2026)
Road rash is the scrape you get sliding on pavement. Here are basic first-aid steps, warning signs that need a doctor and how to prevent it.
What Is Road Rash?
Road rash is an abrasion: skin scraped away by sliding on pavement during a fall from a skateboard, bike, scooter or skates. Most cases are minor and heal with basic care. This guide covers general first aid only; it's not medical advice. If you're unsure, or the wound is serious, see a healthcare professional.
When to Get Medical Care
| See a Doctor or Urgent Care If... |
|---|
| The wound is deep, large or gaping |
| Bleeding doesn't stop with firm pressure |
| Dirt, gravel or debris is embedded and won't rinse out |
| It's on the face, hands, genitals or over a joint |
| You see signs of infection (spreading redness, swelling, warmth, pus, red streaks, fever) |
| Your tetanus vaccination isn't up to date |
| You hit your head, or you may have a broken bone |
Call emergency services for severe injuries, head injuries with confusion or loss of consciousness, or heavy bleeding.
First Aid for Minor Road Rash
- Wash your hands.
- Stop any bleeding with gentle pressure using a clean cloth.
- Rinse the wound under clean running water for a few minutes.
- Gently remove dirt; don't scrub hard. Seek care for debris that won't come out.
- Cover it with a clean, non-stick dressing.
- Change the dressing daily or when it gets wet or dirty.
- Watch for infection over the next few days.
While It Heals
- Keep it clean and covered as advised.
- Avoid picking at scabs.
- Protect healing skin from the sun to reduce discoloration.
- Rest from skating until it's comfortable to move.
How Long Does It Take to Heal?
Minor road rash usually heals within a couple of weeks; deeper or larger areas take longer and may need medical care. Keeping the wound clean and covered with a non-stick dressing supports healing and can help limit scarring.
Signs of Infection
- Increasing pain, swelling or redness after the first day or two.
- Pus or cloudy drainage.
- Warmth spreading around the wound, or red streaks.
- Fever.
See a doctor if you notice any of these.
Tetanus
Road rash can introduce dirt into the skin. If you're not sure your tetanus vaccination is up to date, ask a doctor or pharmacist.
Prevent Road Rash
Protective gear is the best prevention: gloves (slide gloves for longboarders), knee and elbow pads, and long sleeves or pants on faster rides. Learning how to fall helps too.
Triple Eight Saver Series Pads
Knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards in one set.
Check Price on AmazonLandyachtz Slide Gloves
Leather slide gloves from Landyachtz for downhill and freeride. Check the listing for size.
Check Price on AmazonSee skateboard safety gear and do you need a helmet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean road rash?
Wash your hands, rinse the wound under clean running water and gently clean out dirt. Avoid scrubbing hard. Seek care if debris won't come out.
Should I cover road rash?
Many clinicians recommend keeping minor scrapes clean and covered with a non-stick dressing so they stay moist while healing. Follow your doctor's advice.
When should I see a doctor for road rash?
For deep or large wounds, debris you can't remove, heavy bleeding, wounds on the face or joints, signs of infection, or if your tetanus shot isn't up to date.
What are signs of infection?
Increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, red streaks, fever or worsening pain.
How can I prevent road rash?
Wear pads, gloves and long sleeves or pants, and learn to fall and slide safely.