Road rash is a common term for multiple skin scrapes (abrasions) that occur during a bicycle or motorcycle accident, or even any fall when you slide across a rough surface. Treatment depends on how large and deep the abrasion is. Because of the strong forces involved in your accident, it's important that you watch for any new symptoms that might be a sign of hidden injury.
It's common for not only the abrasion to hurt a little, but to also have pain in the general area of the injury because it has been bruised.
It's important to watch the wound closely for signs of infection. These include:
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Increasing redness or swelling around the wound.
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Increased warmth of the wound.
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Pain that gets worse.
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Red streaking lines away from the wound.
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Draining pus.
Contact your health care provider if any of these signs develop.
Home care
Most abrasions heal within 10 days. It's important to keep the abrasions clean while they first start to heal. But an infection may occur even with proper care. So watch for early signs of infection (above).
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If a bandage was applied and it becomes wet or dirty, replace it with a clean one. Otherwise, leave it in place for the first 24 hours. Then change it once a day and clean as follows, or as your health care provider instructs.
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Wash the area with soap and clean, running water to remove all the cream or ointment. You may do this in a sink, under a tub faucet or shower. Rinse off the soap and pat dry with a clean towel.
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If your bandage sticks to the wound, soak it in warm water until it loosens.
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Reapply antibiotic cream/ointment according to your provider's instructions. This will prevent infection and help prevent the bandage from sticking.
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Cover the wound with a fresh non-stick bandage.
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An accident can be emotionally upsetting. Take time to rest and adjust to what has happened. Talking to others about your feelings can help reduce anxiety and fear.
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It's common for the abrasion to hurt a little, and to feel sore and tight in your muscles the following day. However, more severe pain should be reported.
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For pain you can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen, unless you were given a different pain medicine to use. Talk with your provider before using these medicines if you have chronic liver or kidney disease, or ever had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding, or are taking blood thinner medicines. Aspirin should never be used in anyone under 18 years of age who is ill with a fever. It may cause severe liver damage.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your health care provider, or as advised.
If X-rays or CT scans were done, you'll be told if there is any change that affects treatment.
Call 911
Call
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Have trouble breathing.
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Are confused or have trouble waking up or speaking.
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Faint or lose of consciousness.
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Have a rapid heart rate.
When to get medical advice
Contact your health care provider right away if you have:
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A headache or vision problems.
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Nausea or vomiting.
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Dizziness or vertigo.
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Back or abdominal pain that is new or getting worse.
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Increasing pain, redness, or swelling around the wound.
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A stiff neck or trouble swallowing (signs of possible tetanus infection).
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Pus coming from the wound.
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A fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your provider.
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Chills.
