Road rash (it) is a generic term used to describe abrasions received from prolonged contact with the road after a crash. Usually these abrasions have a large surface area but are not often that deep. Road rash is best treated as one would address burn injuries.

For a brief sports medicine summary I like this article

minimizing “it” in the first place

• choice of clothing
  • close fitting
  • tight knits-no loose fibers
  • minimal seams in high impact areas- hips, shoulder, knees, elbows, ankles
• shaved legs- slide on the road easier, easier to clean, easier to remove first aid tape/stickies
• properly fitting equipment
• well maintained equipment
• risk management
• 100% awareness at all times
  • no cell phone while riding
  • no MP3 or iPOD while riding
  • scan the road for hazards- intersections, road debris, train track, pot holes, rough and cracked surfaces, parked cars opening doors, etc.

how to care for “it”

• clean it using mild soaps (see below)
  • if necessary, scrub it (see below) to remove all dirt, grit, road debris and any tar residue that can leave a permanent discoloration (akan ugly tatoo of the road).
• disinfect it (see below)- it is very important to minimize the risk of bacterial infection!
• dress it (see below)
• change it as necessary

first aid kit essentials

In Vancouver you can purchase many of your wound care needs at MacDonald Pharmacy on Broadway near Willow or Lancaster Medical on Broadway near Cambie. These places have trained experts who can advise you on current best practices if you’re not sure what to get or feel overwhelmed.

Stocking a good bike crash first aid kit is expensive, but the added comfort and peace of mind from healing fast is worth it.

• mild soap (Savlon
• wound scrubbing pads; use pre-packaged sterilized scrubbing pads such as “EZ SCRUB” (4% Chorhexidine solution). NEVER use face cloths, nail brushes or anything in your kitchen!
• antibacterial ointment (polysporin, etc.)
• non-stick gauze pads
• scissors
• IV thin film dressing: a super thin, hypoallergenic, flexible adhesive that sticks well and leaves little to no reside. It moves with you when you swim, bike and run and carry on with life. It is sold under the names Tegaderm (3M) or IV3000
• Johnson & Johnson advanced healing dressings
• Tegasorb Hydrocolloid dressings
• SecondSkin
  
• Allevyn pads are very good, but $$$

Tips to faster healing and to minimize scaring

• Good nutrition
• Proper scrub on inital injury (don’t be gentle…ouch).
• Balance the environment the rash is healing in.
• If the edges of the wound look white and spongy the oxygen hasn’t got to the skin for a few days (you swimmers and tub soakers know what we’re talking about).
• Air it out but don’t dry it out.
• If the inside of the wound is red and pink and healing, don’t scrub it!
• Polysporin ointment to begin but not for more than 7 day (antimicrobial effect are null and void)

Seek help if

• you run a fever over 38.5 or one that doesn’t come down with tylenol
• the rash is super smelly
• Whiteness/yellowish on the wound can be normal
• Green, Yellow drainage and a Hot Red perimeter of the wound = infection
• if you are diabetic or have a prexisting condition that interfers with healing
• If it’s more than 3-4mm deep and a surface area larger than say, the size of your hand (for example) you may want to see someone in health care. This size may scar.

Thanks to Marie for her professional and personal wisdom in this info