How to Handle Scrapes and Road Rash

Move to a Safe Location if Possible. If you're involved in an accident in a hazardous area, such as in the middle of the road, and can still move, relocate to a safer place (such as the roadside). This will help minimize the risk of further injury.

Do not touch life-threatening wounds. Ensure that you (or the injured person) are able to move easily and that there are no broken bones. If there are, stop immediately and call emergency services or have someone else call for you.

• If the injury is to the head, check for signs of a concussion and call emergency services right away.

Assess the severity of the injury. If you're unable to clearly see your injury, ask someone to help you check. Call local emergency services if the injury exhibits the following signs:

• The wound is deep enough to expose fat, muscle, or bone.
• Blood is spurting in a jet-like manner. In this case, use your hand, clothing, or other material to apply pressure to the wound while awaiting help. This will help slow the bleeding.
• The wound is jagged, or the edges are separating.

Check for other injuries. Some damage may occur beneath the skin, which you cannot see. If you have lost consciousness, feel disoriented, have limited movement, or are experiencing extreme pain, you should immediately consider consulting a doctor for specialized assistance.

Wash your hands before treating the wound. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before attending to the injury to avoid infection. If available, you can also wear disposable gloves before beginning to clean the wound.

Stop the bleeding.

If the wound is bleeding, you need to apply pressure to the bleeding area to control it.

• Use a clean bandage or cloth and press it against the bleeding site for several minutes.
• Change the cloth or bandage if it becomes too soaked with blood.
• If the bleeding doesn't stop after 10 minutes of applying pressure, contact a doctor, as the wound may need stitches or another form of treatment.

Rinse the wound with water. Let cool water flow over the wound or gently pour water on it. If you can't see or reach the wound, ask someone to help. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the affected skin to wash away any dirt and/or debris.

Clean the wound. Use antibacterial soap and water to clean around the wound, but be careful not to let soap get into the wound as it may cause irritation. This will help wash away any dirt and bacteria that could lead to infection.

• In the past, people used hydrogen peroxide and iodine alcohol to disinfect external wounds. However, hydrogen peroxide and iodine alcohol can damage living cells, so health experts now advise against using them to clean wounds.

Remove any debris. If any foreign objects such as dirt, sand, or splinters are stuck in the wound, use tweezers to remove them. First, make sure to clean and disinfect the tweezers by wiping them with cotton or gauze soaked in isopropyl alcohol. After removing the debris, rinse the wound with cool water.

• Contact a doctor if there are deep foreign objects or dirt stuck in the wound that you cannot remove.

Gently dry the area. Use a clean cloth or towel to blot the wound dry after cleaning it. Avoid rubbing, and instead, gently dab to prevent causing additional pain.

Apply antibiotic ointment, especially when the wound is dirty. Antibiotic creams can help prevent infection while the wound heals.

• There are various types of antibiotic creams and ointments containing different active ingredients or compounds (such as bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin). Always follow the instructions on the label regarding dosage and application.
• Some triple-antibiotic products like Neosporin contain neomycin, which can cause skin allergies. If you experience redness, itching, swelling, etc., after using any of these, stop using them and switch to an antibiotic containing polymyxin or bacitracin, but without neomycin.
• If for any reason you cannot use topical antibiotic creams, you can apply petroleum jelly or Aquaphor to the injured area. Petroleum jelly helps keep the wound moist as it heals.

Bandage the wound. You need to bandage the wound with gauze to protect it from dirt, infection, and irritation caused by clothing. Non-stick dressings like Telfa are often preferred, or you can use sterile gauze and secure it with adhesive tape or an elastic bandage.

Elevate the wound. Elevate the wound or raise it higher than the heart as much as possible to help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. This is especially helpful in the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury occurs, and is crucial for severe or infected wounds.

Change the bandage when necessary. Change the bandage daily or more frequently if it becomes wet or dirty. Clean the wound with water and antibacterial soap.

Reapply antibiotic ointment daily. Do this every time you change the bandage. While it may not speed up the healing process, the antibiotic can reduce the risk of infection. It also helps maintain moisture in the wound, preventing scabbing or scarring.

Elevate the wound. Continue elevating the injured area higher than the heart as much as possible to help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. This is especially important if the wound is severe or infected.

Take pain relief if necessary. Use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen if the wound is painful, unless directed otherwise by a doctor.

• Ibuprofen also has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce swelling.
• If the skin around the wound feels dry or itchy, you can apply a moisturizing lotion to alleviate discomfort.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing around the wound area. If possible, wear clothes that won't rub against the wound as it heals. For example, wear short sleeves if the wound is on your arm or shorts if it’s on your leg. This will make you more comfortable.

Eat properly. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids (about eight 240 ml glasses a day, especially water) and eat healthy foods during the healing process. Proper hydration and nutrition will support your body's recovery.

Rest. Allow the injured area to rest during the healing period. For instance, if the wound is on your leg, avoid strenuous activities like running or climbing. Refrain from putting strain on the injured area while waiting for it to heal.

Monitor the healing process of the wound. If treated properly, a road abrasion typically heals within two weeks.

• The speed at which your wound heals depends on several factors such as age, nutrition, stress levels, whether you smoke, and if you have any underlying health conditions. Moreover, while antibiotic ointment reduces the risk of infection, it doesn't actually speed up the healing process. If you notice the wound is healing unusually slowly, you should consult a doctor as it could indicate a more serious issue, such as an underlying medical condition.

Contact a doctor if the wound worsens or shows signs of infection. You will need professional help if:

• There is dirt or foreign material in the wound that you cannot remove.
• The affected area becomes red, swollen, warm, or more painful. These could be signs of infection.
• Red streaks spread from the wound.
• Pus is oozing from the wound, especially if it has a foul odor.
• You experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting.

Wear protective clothing and gear. Protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, can help prevent abrasions if you fall on the road. When participating in activities that carry a risk of injury, consider wearing protective gear to minimize the impact and recover quickly after a fall.

• For instance, consider using elbow, wrist, and knee pads while participating in sports like skateboarding and ice skating.
• A helmet will protect your head from injury during similar sports or other activities like cycling and motorcycling.

Practice safety. Learn how to properly use the equipment related to the activities you engage in, such as motorcycles, bicycles, etc. Additionally, avoid performing dangerous stunts or other risky behaviors. Being cautious on the road is a simple way to reduce the risk of abrasions.

Ensure you are up to date with your tetanus vaccination. Many road abrasions come into contact with dirt, including metal and other debris, which can introduce tetanus bacteria (lockjaw) into the wound. When a wound is contaminated, most adults should receive a tetanus shot if they haven't been vaccinated within the last five years. Visit a doctor for a tetanus vaccination immediately after sustaining a road abrasion.