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Key Points
- Road rash, a skin injury caused by friction with hard surfaces, is common in outdoor activities like biking and skateboarding, especially in spring and summer due to lighter clothing.
- The severity of road rash can vary, from minor scrapes to severe wounds that expose muscle or bone.
- First aid for road rash involves cleaning the wound area, removing debris, applying antibiotic ointment, and changing the dressing daily.
- Medical attention is necessary for severe road rash, wounds with foreign objects, large wounds, or if there are signs of infection.
- Prevention of road rash includes wearing protective gear, using pads in sports, and adhering to speed limits when using motorized vehicles.
Road rash is an injury that occurs when the skin is scraped off by a hard surface (such as pavement or dirt). Road rash can leave the skin looking raw and feeling painful whenever you touch it or move, according to WebMD. This is why having knowledge of a few home treatments and when to seek medical care is important.
Causes & Symptoms of Road Rash
Road rash is most common in the spring and summer when more people are active outside, according to VeryWellHealth. They also note that wearing less clothing or lighter-weight clothing is also a contributing factor, as this leaves the skin less protected. According to Healthline, activities that are associated with road rash injuries include:
- Biking
- Skateboarding
- Riding motorcycles or ATVs
- Baseball or softball
- Running
First Aid for Road Rash
If you or someone you know has road rash, VeryWellHealth recommends the following first aid:
- Wash your hands - You should always wash your hands before caring for an injury, according to VeryWellHealth. This will help prevent bacteria from entering the wound and causing an infection.
- Wash the area of the road rash - VeryWellHealth notes that you should not scrub the road rash, or use a lot of pressure, as this could cause more pain and bleeding.
- Remove debris - Carefully remove any dirt or debris that you can see with tweezers that have been cleaned with alcohol. Some debris that you may find in road rash includes bits of grass, rock, or dirt, according to VeryWellHealth.
- Apply antibiotic ointment - Once the road rash is clean, VeryWellHealth notes that you should apply an antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly. This will help with healing.
- Cover the road rash - Covering the injury will help the injury heal and prevent bacteria from coming into contact with the open wound, according to VeryWellHealth. They recommend using lightweight medical covering like gauze.
- Change the dressing daily
- Monitor for infection - Infection can develop after any wound, so VeryWellHealth recommends that you watch out for any symptoms of infection, like an increase in pain, oozing pus, or warmth over the injury.
- Get a tetanus shot - This is especially important if it has been more than five years since your last tetanus shot.
When to see a Doctor for Road Rash
Road rash can be minor (like a scraped knee) or a major injury (from something like a vehicle accident). While many cases can be treated at home, some may need to be treated by a doctor, according to Healthline. They recommend seeing a doctor if:
- The road rash is so severe that you can see muscle or bone
- There are any foreign objects embedded in the injury (like rocks, glass, or debris)
- The road rash covers a significant area of the body (like an entire limb)
- There is any pus or drainage coming from the road rash wound
- The road rash is bleeding significantly
How to Prevent Road Rash
Moving vehicle accidents are the most common cause of road rash, according to WebMD. They note that using protective gear is the best way to prevent this type of injury and offer the following tips for preventing road rash:
- Wear protective clothing and gear if riding a motorcycle. This includes an appropriate helmet and shoes.
- Use elbow and knee pads when playing sports where falling is possible.
- Stay within the speed limit when riding a motorized vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
What is road rash?
Road rash is a skin injury that happens due to friction with hard surfaces like pavement or dirt, often during outdoor activities such as biking, skateboarding, and motorcycling.When is road rash most common?
Road rash is more prevalent in the spring and summer seasons, mainly because people tend to wear lighter clothing during these times.How can I treat road rash at home?
You can treat minor road rash at home by washing your hands and the injury area, removing any visible debris, applying antibiotic ointment, covering the wound, and changing the dressing daily.When should I seek medical attention for road rash?
You should seek medical attention if the road rash is severe, if there are foreign objects embedded in the wound, if the wound covers a large area of the body, or if there are signs of infection.How can I prevent road rash?
You can prevent road rash by wearing protective gear, using elbow and knee pads in sports, and adhering to speed limits when operating motorized vehicles.Do I need a tetanus shot for road rash?
Yes, you may need a tetanus shot if you have road rash. It's best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if it's necessary.What are the signs of infection I should watch for after getting road rash?
Signs of infection to watch for include increased pain, swelling, redness, or pus around the wound area, as well as fever.Can road rash lead to long-term damage?
Severe road rash can potentially lead to long-term damage such as scarring or nerve damage, especially if not treated properly.
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