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If you were in a motorcycle crash and you weren’t wearing armored pants or a jacket, there’s a good chance you experienced road rash. These friction burns can be extremely painful and are susceptible to infection. To help injured riders navigate this injury, we’ve put together this guide to help you treat road rash after a motorcycle crash.
Clean the Wound
If you have road rash, you should try to clean the wound as soon as it is safe to do so. Make sure your hands are clean, and then gently wash the area with soapy water. Scrubbing too hard or using an abrasive material (like a loofah) could worsen the injury as it applies the same kind of friction that caused the injury.
When you’ve completed the initial cleaning, go over the affected area and search for road debris. This might be pieces of rubble, glass, or asphalt that, left on your body, could fester and cause an infection.
Once you believe the injury is thoroughly cleaned, apply an antibacterial cream to aid the healing process and reduce the risk of infection. You may also want to apply petroleum jelly so that bandages don’t stick to your body.
Cover the Wound
With the road rash cleaned, you should cover it with a bandage or gauze. This will protect your injury from additional friction and reduce the risk of infection. Once applied, you should change your bandages at least once a day until you are healed. Wearing the same bandage for too long will make it dirty (which increases the risk of infection) and cause the bandage to become stuck to your scabs.
Finally, remember to periodically apply more antibiotic ointment, especially if it seems like your injury may be infected. If your injury gets worse, or if it is beyond treating yourself, go to the doctor.
See a Doctor
If your road rash is particularly severe, you should see a doctor immediately. If you see bone, have large shards of debris in your body, or if the road rash covers a significant portion of your body, you should go to the doctor immediately. A doctor is best equipped to treat you, record your injury, and provide you with a general antibiotic that will support you throughout the healing process.
If your crash was caused by a negligent driver, a medical report documenting road rash and other injuries can be invaluable when pursuing damages for the crash. Once you’ve been seen by a doctor, make sure your attorney has a copy of your medical report so they can pursue the full justice you’re entitled to.