Trail rash?

[Catrin]

I won't call it road rash because it happened on the mtb trail Anyway, I have some on my shoulder and a couple of other places. Is it better to cover it or leave it open?

I've the idea that it is best to clean it, which I've done, put antibiotic cream on it but to leave it open to the air. These are not large spots - the area on my shoulder is the largest and is about the size of a large egg.

[Possegal]

I was in the ER two weeks ago after a crash and while I had sutures in my elbow and was told to keep that covered, she just told me to clean the road rash on my leg and didn't tell me to cover it. Didn't tell me to keep it uncovered, but didn't tell me to cover it either. That may, or may not, be of any help to you.

[Catrin]

I was in the ER two weeks ago after a crash and while I had sutures in my elbow and was told to keep that covered, she just told me to clean the road rash on my leg and didn't tell me to cover it. Didn't tell me to keep it uncovered, but didn't tell me to cover it either. That may, or may not, be of any help to you.

Thanks, this is helpful. My thought was the rash probably isn't deep enough into the skin to present a real danger of infection, and frankly, it feels better being open. It also isn't THAT bad, that is probably where it helped that it happened on a dusty trail rather than pavement So since the ER wasn't concerned about it either way, then neither will I.

I hope you have recovered from your crash? It doesn't sound like it was much fun.

[malkin]

For me, I'd cover it to keep dirt out (like when gardening) and leave it open when in a relatively clean place (like most of my house most of the time).

[ny biker]

My understanding is that that type of skin abrasion will heal more quickly and with less chance of a scar if it is kept moist and covered.

[Kiwi Stoker]

Yes I too have heard not to let wounds get dry scabs on them as they will scar more.

All my road rash has always been dressed whn I went to the clinic. Exception was the road rash on my face- that got eye ointment put on it (which is an antibiotic).

[Catrin]

Thanks, I will check it out. It isn't that large of an area compared to what it could have been so I am thankful. There are a couple of areas though...I will check out CVS on the way home later today.