How To Treat Road Rash

Road rash is a type of skin abrasion and friction burn that develops after the skin is scraped against a rough surface. Patients who participate in sports performed on tarred surfaces, including skateboarding and bicycling, are most likely to experience road rash. This injury causes the outer layers of skin to be removed, and it can be very painful. Patients with road rash may notice their skin looks raw, and bleeding or oozing may occur. Most cases of road rash are relatively minor, and they heal on their own within two weeks. Home treatment is typically all that is needed for this injury. However, patients with extensive road rash that has caused several layers of skin to be removed might need skin grafting surgery or other treatment.

The steps outlined below are typically recommended for the treatment of road rash.

Wash Hands And The Injury

To reduce the likelihood of infection, patients who have road rash should wash their hands and the injury, ideally at the scene of the injury. However, if the wound is not bleeding much, patients may choose to wait and wash the injury once they return home. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer or warm, soapy water can be used for handwashing, and patients may want to place the injured area underneath running water for a few minutes to ease pain and reduce bleeding. Doctors recommend the use of soapy water and a clean washcloth for washing the injury. Since soap could cause further irritation, patients should use it just at the edges of the wound; it should not be placed directly on the wound itself. If soap and water are not available, using an antiseptic spray is a safe alternative.

Keep reading to learn more about treating road rash now.