road rash infections?

In all likelyhood, what you have is the equivalent of a 2nd degree burn (or worse).

The swelling is common after road rash... this swelling is the skins reaction to trauma... the skin is an organ. It can become infected like anyother organ... unfortunately, it has some serious repercussions that other organs don't always have... it is constantly exposed to an infectionious environment.

My strongest suggestion is to go and see a burn specialist or a plastic surgeon (board certified) with a back ground in dealing with burns. This is a field that is very specialized and can not be treated effectively by most physicians... in fact, many underestimate the complications that can arise from road rash.

That being said, I am afraid you will do like most and assume it will heal like anyother open wound (which can be seriously incorrect).... and, will try to self-medicate. While this is not the best course of action, I will suggest 2 things... one, clean the wound... if it already has scabs then use a bit of Novacane (as used for sunburns) to deaden the area then clean it thoroughly. Then apply Tagaderm (or equivalent). This should help... but, if you have been swimming with the open wound, I believe it would be best not to wait until the infection becomes serious (assuming it may be infected - trauma can cause swelling as well). Doing so can cause some serious down time in training.

I recommend you see a burn specialist or plastic surgeon with a background in dealing with burns. That is fastest and most effective way to heal up quickly.... there is no way to heal faster... only ways to help the body improve at a rate that is not inhibited by actions that are counter productive - like not going to a doctor. Seeing a doctor who specialises in burns is the best answer to your post.

FWIW

Joe Moya

I would suggest the following....monitor the rash for signs of infection, i.e. red streaks first off. I would alos suggest SCRUBBING the area with soap, water, and a wash cloth...at least daily. Yes, SCRUB. It will be uncomfortable but it will help. I have done this procedure on countless athletes I have worked on over the years. Do not use hydogen peroxide, iodine, or similar "cleansing agents" that fizz to clean the area. These actually cause tissue damge to healthy tissue surrounding the wound. Following the scrub treatment, I apply a dressing to the area with no anitbiotic. If the infection worsens...head to the MD ASAP.