Road Cycling - Had a Crash and now I have Some Road Rash

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the_stew_man
09-11-02, 04:47 AM
Well i had a fall today due to a motorist who didn't look before they turned on to the road. To cut the story short, i ended up on the road and i skidded for a bit. I have some massive road rash on my upper thigh/lower ass and i also have some on my shin's. I have cuts on my elbow, my knee's and my ankle. I was wondering what i should do to treat them. I have put a dressing on the 10cm wide bit on my ass but the others i have left uncovered. What should i treat them with?, i have cleaned them all out and they seem a different sort cuts to any that i have seen before.
I hope this makes sense, but i am not thinking straight cause i am in pain and i cant sit properly.
Stew


MichaelW
09-11-02, 05:22 AM
Have you been seen by a doc or nurse. Road rash needs to be cleaned out really well to prevent infections. Its wise to get checked for concussion even if you wear a helmet.
Post crash you can get very confused, even if you dont bump your head. I had a slow speed tumble due to a car, little physical damage, but it shredded my nerves for almost a week.

Take your sore butt to a professional

the_stew_man
09-11-02, 05:25 AM
I am pretty sure i don't have concussion as i didn't hit my head. Its not really my bum its the side of it, the road rash is where my leg ends and my butt starts, so its kinda hard for me to sit. I've cleaned it out pretty good with dettol and soap in the shower.


aerobat
09-11-02, 06:14 AM
You might want to put some sort of antibiotic cream on it to prevent infection and speed healing.

Don't forget to check your bike over for damage as well, before you ride it again.

Glad to hear you got away with relatively minor injuries.

Guillermo
09-11-02, 06:48 AM
The rash on your thigh/ass will be a PITA! I had the same thing several weeks ago. Getting it to heal was a major bummer, as most clothing will cover that area. The best thing to do will be to take a day or two off, and walk around your place naked to allow the wound to scab over. Then you can wear clothes more comfortably.

RainmanP
09-11-02, 11:44 AM
With all due respect, Guillermo, the last thing you want to do for a deep road rash is to let it dry out and scab over, particularly in an area prone to stretching and moving. The scab will continually crack and heal slowly.

The prescribed treatment for road rash is first clean it out very well, scrubbing thoroughly even though it hurts like crazy. Any bit of dirt or gravel WILL result in infection. Then cleanse thoroughly with hydrogen peroxide, pouring it on several times. The foaming action tells you it is working. Ideally you should keep reapplying until it doesn't foam anymore, but this can go on for a while. Two or three drenchings will probably do, allowing time between each for the cleansing action. Apply a liberal coating of Neosporin, Polysporin or store brand triple antibiotic ointment. Cover loosely with gauze and tape, as much to protect clothing from the ointment as to cover the wound. At least once a day wash the area when bathing, cleanse with hydrogen peroxide, apply ointment, cover with gauze and tape.

The ointment purposely prevents drying out and scab formation to allow more thorough healing from the inside out. Although it may seem slower this actually speeds a thorough healing and reduces scarring.

I did not make these procedures up. They are pretty well-established.