How To Treat Road Rash

Apply Antibiotic Ointment And Bandages

To prevent infection, it is crucial to apply antibiotic ointment and bandages to any road rash injury. Triple antibiotic ointment contains three different antibiotics, including bacitracin and neomycin, and many creams now include an added ingredient for pain relief. These creams are part of standard first aid kits, and they can be purchased over-the-counter at many pharmacies. The creams should be applied with a cotton swab or cotton ball, and it is safe to apply them up to four times a day. When applying antibiotic creams, patients should only apply a thin layer. Antibiotic ointments may cause side effects if they are applied to a large area of the body, and patients might want to ask a doctor or pharmacist about whether it is appropriate to apply these to their particular injury. Sterile gauze pads and cohesive wrapping may be used to bandage large areas, and smaller areas with road rash may be covered with adhesive bandages. Patients should always ensure they can insert at least one finger underneath a cohesive bandage, as this prevents it from being too tight. Bandages should be changed at least once a day, and they must also be changed if they become wet or dirty.

Monitor for Infection

While a road rash injury is healing, the patient will need to monitor for infection in the area. Infected injuries could become very red or tender, and the patient might notice red streaks form and extend away from the site. Swelling could develop, and patients may experience increased pain. The area might begin to feel numb, and areas below the injury could also be numb. In addition, the skin over the injury may feel much warmer than the surrounding area. As the infection progresses, pus may be discharged from the area, and some individuals might notice a discharge of thick, gray fluid. If the infection spreads and becomes systemic, patients typically develop a fever, often higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Patients should seek urgent medical attention if any signs of infection develop.