Road Rash recovery

Well, my road rash wasn't nearly as dramatic as yours, but I found that keeping it moist was the best. I used triple antibiotic salve for a while until I developed a minor rash from it (ouch ouch) and then switched to plain old patroleum jelly. Keep it covered if it's bleeding or looks infected, but make sure you expose it to air once a day. When it starts to close up, or scab up, go without the bandages as much as you can.

From now on, though, you'll need to apply extra sun screen to the area as it will be more sensitive for a long while, and more prone to scarring with exposure to the sun.

Good job on your finish! It's no surprise, though. You're awesome!

I agree with Madcat, although I never bothered with salves or potions.  I just kept the affected area clean and open to air as much as possible.  Plus, when the scabs start forming, do NOT pick at them!  I know it's difficult not to because it gets so darned itchy but it will heal much faster if you leave it alone.

Get yourself Tegaderm Bandages by 3M. Second Skin is another product. Both are clear bandages that you apply right on the rash - no ointments, no gauze and they stay on even when wet. Mine wasn't as severe as your sounds but they healed in less than a week. I swear by the stuff.
I'll see if I can find the link that I referenced before trying it. Good luck

here's the link: http://sportsmedicine.about.com/library/weekly/aa052401a.htm

Edited by rollinbones 2005-08-10 8:38 AM

Just read your other post. If your rash is deep the Tegaderm Bandages may not be the best. You need to watch for infection. and hey, I'm no doctor so please take my advice at face value. again good luck and congrats on your perseverence.

Gocorey,
I had bad road rash many many years ago when I went down at 15 mph on my motorcycle in the same places as you. My leg, forearm and shoulder were the worst that required creams and big bandages/wraps. It was essential that you apply the creams that allow the wound to heal from the inside out and NOT scab. I was young at the time and very impatient with the bandage deal and after ~two weeks did not let the areas still open to heal without scabbing and have some good scarring in some areas. I recall soaking my shoulder in the shower to get the scab to come off so I could go back to the cream because it was cracking and hurt.

You'll have to gauge your wounds by the next race, but remember your body underwent a trauma and it must have time in the beginning to devote to healing. Skin is the largest organ you have any very susceptible to infection. To speed up healing, well eat well and rest, there's no magic pill for skin wounds to heal other than time. I have to admit it was cool watching the skin wounds heal from the inside out. Your new skin will be very sensitive to the sun for awhile. Make sure you keep them covered best you can and apply sun BLOCK until it matures in several months as it will get sun burn very easily.

BTW did they have to scrub any wounds with a plastic brush? My shoulder needed to be scrubbed and even with the local I vividly recall the pain to this day...

Don

Brave Soldier has a great road rash cream. http://www.thetriathletestore.com/detail.aspx?ID=10

Tegaderm works well.  As do the 3m/bandaid/curad brand 'burn patches'.  Basically similar to the Tegaderm stuff, but a bit thicker of a material.  Some have antibiotic stuff.

I wiped out pretty good about 2 weeks out from a race.  Road rash on my hip, elbow, wrist, hand, knee.  Used the Bandaid burn patches on the really big section on my hip, and that one healed up first and easiest.

Was back swimming after the first 3 days.  Pool water stung a little bit at first, but nothing bad after a while. 

Just remember not to pick at the puss/crust/etc.  Let it come off on it's own.  It'll heal faster, and leave less of a scar.

Good luck!

-C

For scar prevention, I swear by Vitamin E. Keep it up even after the scabs are gone. I had cuts on my face from a fall, and (being a vain girl) was horrified that I'd be Scar Face, but I kept up the Vit E and there are no scars.

ok awesome. I will get some tegaderm today for sure. I'm doing he whole keep it clean, add ointment (brave soldier), and gauze so it sounds like that is the best I can do.
thanks you all for your tips
-Corey