These may include: increasing (rather than decreasing) pain at the site of your wound redness spreading around the wound edges (although a thin, light rim of redness around the wound edges initially can be normal) white, thick or foul-smelling discharge from the wound base or unexplained fevers. Rather, keep it moist with the vaseline/petroleum as this will help it heal faster.ĭuring this initial healing period, be weary of signs or symptoms of infection. Initially, do not let the wound get dry and crusted.This type of dressing should be removed and re-applied twice daily initially, then reduced to once daily when the weeping of clear fluid decreases.The wound may have weeping of clear fluid (exudates) which seeps through the non-stick pad, so place a layer of dry, absorbent gauze over this to handle any exudates. A topical non-stick dressing may have been provided to you, or can be purchased over the counter cheaply. After application of ointment, bandage the wound.If this was specifically recommended by your health care provider, make sure you are not allergic. Antibiotic ointment such as neosporin or bacitracin can cause allergic reactions, making the wound itchy, red, and bumpy. Using a topical antibiotic is generally not necessary. Next, apply a thick ointment like vaseline/petroleum jelly, aquaphor, or vitamin A & D ointment.Alternatively, you can use hydrogen peroxide for the first few days, but this is not superior to simple cleansing with tap water. Wash the wound(s) gently daily with warm water and mild soap.But keep in mind, the best outcome for wounds like this requires continued attention, much of which you will need to do at home. The wound has likely also been dressed for you. This has probably been done for you here today already. The best care for an abrasion (commonly referred to as road rash) is to first get it completely clean. This information is generalized only, and (as with all resources and information found on this page) is not meant to substitute for or supersede any advisement given in person by a qualified medical professional. This information has been developed based on medical literature review, experience of the author, and consultation with a clinical dermatologist.
Road rash wound care skin#
Apply creams (free of alcohol) such as Elta lite, Aquaphor, Eucerin, Nivea as often as needed to keep the skin moist and soft.This is a patient-focused resource, meant to provide general instruction regarding short and long term aftercare for dermal abrasion wounds (for example, road rash after a fall from a bicycle). Once your wound is healed, stop using the Bacitracin, Cutecerin gauze and gauze dressings. Newly healed skin needs moisturizing creams to prevent drying and cracking. The skin is healed when it appears dull pink or red, is not moist or weepy, and no longer stings when you touch it. Use moisturizing lotion to relieve these symptoms. The wound may feel stiff, dry, itchy, or tight as it heals. If you have any broken bones or are having surgery in less than a week do not take ibuprofen. Take this medicine 1 hour before washing your wounds.īetween wound cares use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to treat pain. Your doctor may have prescribed pain medicines for you. Secure dressings with cotton gauze as needed. If your wound has been drying out between dressing changes, you may want to apply a thicker layer of Bacitracin.Īpply a thin layer of moisturizing lotion to all healed areas of skin that surround the open wound.Īpply Cuticerin (non-stick) gauze to all open wounds. Most patients should wash their wounds during their daily showers.ĭry off the skin around the wound with a towel.Īpply a thin layer of Bacitracin to all open wounds. Wash off antibiotic creams, soft scabs, and any loose dead tissue. Wash your wounds gently once a day with antibacterial soap such as Dial and a clean washcloth. Dry dressing removal cleans away dead tissue and debris. Wash your hands with soap and water before touching your wound. If your wounds take longer than 2 weeks to heal, they may be deeper wounds and should be looked at by your health care provider. Sometimes, road rash can go through all the layers of skin and require skin grafting surgery to heal. Most road rash should heal within 2 weeks with good care of your wounds by keeping them clean and moist. Road rash is a common term used for abrasions caused by scrapes received during an accident. Abrasions are injuries to the skin and its underlying tissue caused by rubbing or scraping.