Road Rash Complications - Options Now?

[Mr. Bloom]

I've seached the topic and found nothing.

As I've posted, I had a wipe out on Tuesday. I'm allergic to neosporin, and used Bactracin...thinking it was different. Duh! If it looks like a duck...

Anyway, now I've got an allergic reaction and my road rash has festering blisters. Here's a nasty picture of it:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y169/etsterling/100_0863.jpg

You can see the excessive redness and within that, is where the welts, blisters and itchiness resides. Reality is that the road rash isn't that bad, but the allergic reaction is unbearable.

So, I've discontinued the offensive ointment and am using Johnson & Johnson First Aid cream (which I know I can tolerate).

The question is how do I deal with the allergic reaction to expedite healing?

My preference is to use something topical because I don't like the side effects of something like Benadryl...

Thoughts anyone?

[KSH]

Well, if it gets any worse... go to a Dr.

Otherwise, you should probably just leave it alone and let your body heal itself since you are allergic to stuff.

Give it air when you can.

Sorry about your wipe out man.

[Jolt]

I agree with KSH about getting it checked out if it gets any worse and being careful what else you put on it. If the allergic symptoms are really bad, and keeping you awake at night, it might not be a bad idea to take the Benadryl a little before you go to bed (and then the side effect of drowsiness isn't an issue). As for giving it air, wounds actually heal better when you keep them covered and moist.

EDIT: If you've stopped using the offending ointment and made sure you got it all cleaned off, the reaction should hopefully go away fairly soon.

[mimitabby]

epsom salts bath?

go to a first aide clinic, what are they called? (sigh) they are everywhere, and open on saturday.

But that leg really looks like it needs a soaking. I'm no doctor. strictly my opinion.

[Mr. Bloom]

Just got back from the pharmacy and I looked at the pharmacist like she was crazy when she said that you can use benadryl ointment on an open wound...so I'm trying it now with dressings to keep it moist...

[mimitabby]

well, good luck. definitely keep it moist. The moister it is the faster the cells that repair the skin can move.

[Eden]

I have two suggestions
hydrocortizone cream (I once saw a suggestion that it might be good for saddle sores, and it doesn't hurt putting it on them, though I've never tried it on something as large as road rash)
or diaper cream - desitin or zinc oxide - I would think that should be more than safe to use on weepy, blistered skin and soothing too.

[Python]

Also try soaking in a bath with a handful of sea-salt thrown in. That was the best advice I was given after having my son by my midwife. Helps the healing process and keeps the wound clean.

[Python]

I have two suggestions
hydrocortizone cream (I once saw a suggestion that it might be good for saddle sores, and it doesn't hurt putting it on them, though I've never tried it on something as large as road rash)
or diaper cream - desitin or zinc oxide - I would think that should be more than safe to use on weepy, blistered skin and soothing too.

I wouldn't use hydrocortisone cream as that's intended for skin irritations like eczema etc. and has the unwelcome side-effect of making the skin thinner.

Perhaps the best thing really would be to let a doctor have a look at the road rash Mr Silver and explain that you have allergies. I take it that you are allergic to Penicillin? If so, me too.

[Eden]

I wouldn't use hydrocortisone cream as that's intended for skin irritations like eczema etc. and has the unwelcome side-effect of making the skin thinner.


We can only get a really, really weak solution over the counter here in the US - 1% - so though they don't suggest using it continuously or for very extended periods of time, its generally accepted to be safe and non skin thinning in the short term.

[trekin']

My experience with road burn was a lesson in patience...keep it clean, give it air, and be patient. And eat well and stay hydrated.

If you want to try something holistic to ease the allergic reaction, you might want to try Ester-C. It's a buffered vitamin C you can take in a higher dose without affecting your stomach, and it does a darn good job in warding off my respiratory allergic reactions, so it might help with your healing. It can't hurt....you can get it at any pharmacy.

Good luck!

[withm]

Well misery loves company so if it's any consolation your road rash looks just like everyone else's... see this link for comparison:

http://www.bravesoldier.com/1/caring_rr.php

Warning - not for the squeamish. This link takes you one click away from actual photos.

So, I'd still try the Brave Soldier route, but if you can't find it locally, and don't want to wait for mail order, there are lots of antiseptic creams out there. Read the label to make sure you are not getting bacitracin or neomycins in the ingredients. (Note - these are not in the Brave Soldier product either)

I personally had excellent success and NO SCARRING by using Spenco 2nd Skin dressings. You absolutely HAVE to keep the rash moist and covered. The dressing will do that. There are all kinds of adhesive and paper tapes out there you can use to hold them on so if one bothers you, or doesn't stick so well you can try another. I had to butt 2 dressings together because I did not know or think to ask if I could get larger pads, but it worked so well even though it was a little extra work to care for the wounds that in the end I didn't care. I used the dressings for about 10-14 days, can't remember. Probably paid close to $200 in wound care supplies during the period, which at the time seemed a lot for glorified band aids, but in the end, was worth every cent.

http://www.spenco.com/images/pdf/SportSkinCare.pdf

A quick search on "Road rash treatment" showed a concensus on the moist covered dressing; here's a link for a typical report:

http://www.bicyclesource.com/body/first-aid/road-rash-treatment.shtml

As far as the allergic reaction - it will probalby clear up in a day or two. If it gets worse or infected see a doctor. You could try the benadryl cream, or spray (I think it's kind of sloppy), and take a benadryl tablet at night if it's really bothersome.

But I am pretty sure if you do the moist dressing you will get a LOT of fast relief from both the allergic reaction, and continued benefits on the road rash healing. Unless you are allergic to the components in the dressing. Some say they are hypo-allergenic so I think you'd be safe but was not able to see the ingredients in a quick search.

I am not a doctor (but my father was) but I have survived lots of cuts, burns, road rash, and serious allergic reactions (skin and otherwise) and I speak from experience. No, I'm not accident prone, but when you do a lot of stuff you get a lot more opportunity to have accidents.

Good luck.
Martha

[Kitsune06]

Mr. Silver,
I 2nd Jolt, actually, in that though everyone says 'give it air' wounds heal faster when kept moist and clean. I'd use a very gentle soap and *gently* clean the entire area to get rid of whatever neosporin remains (it has a petroleum base, so will probably 'stick' well) then use mild sea-salt/warm water soaks (1/4 tsp salt to 1c warm water, any stronger will dry the wound too much) followed by a cool water rinse, then use the 1st aid ointment of choice and some gauze.

I had something similar on my knee, deep, deep gouges, pebbles and debris embedded, etc... I used the waterproof bandages (the ones w/ the clear sort of skin around them) and changed them out regularly w/ antiseptic cream... healed quickly but still left a scar...

please keep us updated...
~Aryn

[makbike]

Mr. Silver, I'd suggest making a trip to your local urgent care facility. Wounds that are red and ugly (no offense) need more than just a topical cream. Please have a doctor take a look at it just to be on the safe side. The last thing you want is for that infection to get into your blood stream.

Take care and I hope you heal quickly.

[RolliePollie]

Ouch! I sure hope your leg heals quickly! It looks very painful!!!!!!! :(

Cortisone Cream or Ointment just on the blistered part might help. Not sure I'd put it on the open wound area though. You poor thing. A trip to Urgent Care may not be a bad idea...they could probably give you something stronger than just an over-the-counter cream and it might do the trick.

Good luck!

[SouthernBelle]

Man that looks crappy. Is it hot too?

I'll third the suggestion of soaking in a lukewarm salt bath, 2-3 times a day.

Are you sure it's a reaction to the ointment and not infection?

If you have allergies to certain antibiotics, may be worthwhile to get an injection.

Feel better!

[RoadRaven]

MrS
I wonder about your woollen suits you allluded to in another thread irritating the rash...

When my son crashed a few weeks ago, the nurse recommended Vasoline petroleum jelly to prevent scabs from going hard - but that was NOT for deep road rash.

When I had my first major crash a couple of years ago, the doctor put some sticky dressing on - it sounds a bit like the secondSkin Withm describes.

I don't know its medical name as I buy it from the chemist by the half metre, and not in a labeled box.

I've described it here before, and someone knew the name for it in America...

But its like breathable, extra-wide tape. You stick it over the whole rash area and it stays there - through sleep, through showers. The scab forms and heals underneath and in a coupe of weeks you take it off - using baby oil to ensure it doesn't undo the healing. The brand new skin will be very sensitive to sun initially, so be careful you don't burn it.
No scarring... it was amazing (hence why I always keep it in the house now and use it for all grazes and scratches my sons bring home!)

Good healing, MrS

[Tri Girl]

No advice to give, but I just had to say OUCHIE MOMMA!!!
Read about your wipeout the other day, and felt so bad for you. Now having seen what it's morphed into has taken me to a whole new level of sympathy!
I hope you heal quickly!!!!

[Triskeliongirl]

I was also going to suggest benadryl creme, so I am glad your pharmacist beat me to it. But, I would also take an oral benadryl at bedtime when you are going to sleep anyway, just to get the immune response under control. Then keep it clean to prevent infection while it heals. I would only use the benadryl cream until the allergy part is controlled, since the actual road rash may take longer to heal. A trip to a doc may not be a bad idea either. A friend of mine also thought she had just a tad of road rash, but it got infected and she was off work for a week with IV antibiotics. Even if your docs office is closed, an urgi care clinic should be open.

[michelem]

Mr. Silver,

As I mentioned in first reply to your post about your crash, I too am allergic to neosporin and get the same weepy, oozy, itchy rash you have now. My suggeston to you is to make a trip to the dr. (maybe an urgent care since it's the weekend - if you have insurance there will be a co-pay, but if not the out-of-pocket expense is not as high as an emergency room) to check for infection - better safe than sorry. Other than that, treatment of the allergy requires the prompt removal of the causative agent and then management as for any acute dermatitis/eczema; this may include application of topical corticosteroids and/or emollients (white petroleum is good). In severe cases, oral steroids may be necessary. In the acute phase, wet dressings may be required. Topical corticosteroids can then be introduced.


I am allergic to neomycin, so I can use bacitracin without a problem. Sounds like you are allergic to bacitracin - neosporin contains bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B. I feel for you.

[Thistle]

ow ow ow :eek:

hope it's healing now. i have no advice, i am such a sook with things like that.

just sending healing wishes.

[Mr. Bloom]

withm: The closest Brave Soldier retailer is 150 miles away...but, I've accumulated an arsenal of similar ingredients. So, it might be easier for me to find Tim Tams than Brave Soldier:D :D :D

We went to the organic grocery and got Tea Tree Oil (the first ingredient in Brave Soldier). I've used this before and it has a natural antiseptic quality, albeit, a bit smelly.

I also purchased Califlora Calendula Gel.

The jury is out on these homeopathic remedies, but I'll let you know tomorrow.

I'm not inclined to go to the doctor...there's no sign of infection, no fever, and frankly, it's been my experience that most generalist docs don't understand skin afflictions well - particularly the ones related to allergic reactions.

Everyone, thanks for the great advice.

[smilingcat]

Mr. Silver,

Finally someone mentioned about tea tree oil. Before you go wild over the stuff use just a small amount to make sure you are not alergic to it. Also check for the concentration.

Mildly antiseptic?? My personal experience with tea tree oil was I healed much faster and mild infection cleared up much quicker.

I'm a firm believer in tea tree oil.

smilingcat

[crazycanuck]

Roadraven..are you talking about Fixomull? (spelling might be off..) If it's the type of item i'm thinking of, i put it on any blisters & biking related cuts and it works.

Not sure if they sell it in the US ?

C

[Mr. Bloom]

Finally someone mentioned about tea tree oil. Before you go wild over the stuff use just a small amount to make sure you are not alergic to it. Also check for the concentration.


The good news is that I know I'm not allergic based on prior use. The only problem is the lingering camphor smell and its oiliness

I can't say that the califlora did much overnight. The dressings stuck to the wound, so I had to carefully wash them off this morning. I suspect that I'll be going with benadryl ointment and no dressings for the morning ride.

Overall, the allergic symptoms have subsided a bit, but I can't say it's for any reason other than removing the offensive ointment.

[withm]

CVS sells the Spenco 2nd skin dressings. They will not stick to the wounds, and will keep the wounds moist, and you can wear them on your ride. You've got to keep it clean, moist, and covered if you want it to heal properly. If it dries, and scabs over it will be very painful, scar, and you'll be tempted to be picking at it as it heals. That;'s gonna hurt.

[SouthernBelle]

I've never used teatree oil for something like that but do use it for saddle achies. Did you get the oil? You can get it in a cream and soap too.

Love that stuff. Let me know how it works for the rash since I always have it on hand.

[LBTC]

Mr - sending healing green and yellow butterflies so your road rash heals quickly and completely.

I admit it, I'm a fraidy cat and didn't look at the picture!

Be careful with tea tree oil, at full strength it will burn your skin. If it is a dilute mix that you have, the oiliness is probably from the oil it was mixed with.

For abrasions I used a product by Jason called Tea Tree Gel that contains tea tree oil, arnica, witch hazel, chamomile, all in an aloe vera gel. Not sure if this is appropriate for the nastiness of your rash!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[Mr. Bloom]

Thanks to all again. Very little improvement today.

I don't want to overstate the road rash, it's the reaction that is irritating.

Right now, I've placed a mixture of bendryl cream and Johnson & Johnson First Aid Cream and sealed it in with a couple of Nexcare second skin type dressings. I'm amazed at the limited number of options for folks with allergies to first aid treatments.

I probably should have used these pads first, but didn't find them in the right size. Now, I cut and overlapped a couple of pads and it's working well.

So, I expect that in the next couple days, I'll be back to normal.

[SouthernBelle]

Have a milkshake.

[Mr. Bloom]

Unfortunately, I have 12 pounds of Tim Tams being delivered to Home # 2. They'll arrive on Friday, when I'm 120 miles away at Home #1. Darn! I messed that one up!

The injury is totally healed. The damage from the cure is absolutely terrible! It's nasty looking, itchy, rough, and not getting better! Ugh!

But, I've still gotten lots of riding in this week!

[Jenn]

Well I may be a"novice" to riding, however after my wreck.....well...all I know is open to air (if possible) during the day with AB3. A good lathe of antibio with vaseline under non stick gauze and self stick ace bandadge... at night, so you are not dealing with the painful tape issue....Until 1 AM and you want to stratch your skin off. For 3 weeks, I lived in "he!! as I'm sure doesn't even compare to what some of everyone has gone through here.:o
I hope you get well soon;....I FEEL your pain, ugh, it's the WORST the itchy scratchy stage is just so uch fun....but at least you are past the scabby nasty stage....HMMM oh yea, for a man that's " cool" .....awww how did you do that...
For me....every man I've come across on the either says...."Are you ok, do you need help"...or from women...."What do you have?"......

Anyway...Mr Silver heal fast...!!!!!.

[Dianyla]

In addition to the aforementioned Spenco Second Skin, also look for Tegaderm by 3M, it's a fairly good occlusive dressing. Hopefully you won't have any allergic reaction to the dressing material.

And, seconding the suggestions for sea salt soaks. Add non-iodized sea salt to water at a ratio of 1 teaspoon per quart of water.

[ChickWithBrains]

I know you're likely healed by now, but...

You *had* other topical antibiotic choices. Silvadene, usually used for burns, can't be used on the face.

Bactroban (mupirocin), safe even with bacitracin allergy.

Topical benadryl is absorbed systemically, so if you're taking it orally be careful -- if you're putting the cream/ointment over a large area the cumulative dose can be hefty and make you pretty drowsy.

Keeping these clean and covered helps with cosmetic results. How'd it turn out?

[Mr. Bloom]

Thanks for the late advice...I'm sure I'll have other opportunities to apply wisdom to road rash!

How did it turn out?

Today - nearly 3 weeks later - it's totally healed. The injury actually healed quickly. The allergic reaction took nearly two weeks to heal and even spread to other parts of my body...including the same places on the other leg!

What finally got me over the top on the itchy rash?

Well, besides removing the allergen (bacitracin and the bandage adhesives), I used:

Coal Tar Shampoo...Yep, I got high concentration coal tar shampoo - the kind that's used for dandruff and seborrheic dematitis - applied it straight to the allergic rash with a Q-Tip for about 10 minutes at a time (avoiding the new skin at first). This caused an effoliation that really relieved the itching and scaling and gave me relief almost immediately.

For the future, I'm going to have a couple of tubes of brave soldier on hand. In reviewing the ingredients, the base of tea tree oil (which definitely helped me in this one) makes be willing to drop a few $ in preparation for the next incident.

[Hammer]

I didn't look at your picture either... I have my own roadrash to admire. :D And wounds with stitches. But, 3 weeks to heal... even with your allergic reaction? That's not too bad. That's great that you're healing so well!!

I have a cracked clavicle, I can't reach my itchy scratches. I was thinking that eventually when it heals a little more, I might try using a little aloe.

My stitches come out next Friday. We'll see how it goes then.

I hope that you continue to heal and I hope that you never need to worry about this again!!!

Though, if you crash again... I'm on #2... My friends suggest a safer hobby like skateboarding or the rollerderby. :D

[Mr. Bloom]

SilverChiropractor (a serious cyclist) says with proper nutrition and nurturing, road rash can heal in 5 to 7 days. BUT, he also admits going 25,000 miles without a fall!!!

BUT, MORE IMPORTANTLY:

Hammer, OMG!!!!

I just found your ride/crash report. Sorry for a late response, but WOW!


We finished the last bit to our town in an ambulance. The emergency crew had to take our bikes back to the rest stop we'd past so that the SAG wagon could pick them up and take them to our last destiantion. We couldn't get them, because by the time we got there, the bikes were locked in a truck. Our friends said the bikes were fine. Our friends also said that the ride wasn't 100 miles, but actually 106.

Anyway. I ended up with 8 stitches in my elbow, 2 in my knee and a cracked collarbone. I did pass out in the examining room after they put the collar on me. My fiance was there.

Sounds like you were fortunate. I surely don't want to put my minor problem in the same category as yours.:( :(

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!!:) :)

[Hammer]

Thank you... I didn't want to hijack your thread!!! My wounds are healing pretty well. They aren't really oozing anymore. It's only been a few days and we still see progression. I've been sleeping more and trying to eat well too...

Part of me thinks I'll go back to running for awhile, but yet I am thinking about when I can get back on my bike too. My spirit must not be down too much. :D