Road rash - treating and minimizing scars

[Bethany1]

I have to ask, is the bike okay? That's the important thing right? LOL

[Rebekah H]

Dude, that is sexy. LOL I hope you're okay! When you're all healed up, go to your derm and ask for Obagi Clear. It's used to treat acne scarring and is fantastic. The Clear is a little on the pricey side, but so worth the money.

[Eden]

I recommend Duoderm or a similar dressing to anyone with road rash.

It is expensive and it is gross, but it really works and it helps cut down on the pain too because it protects well. You may however have trouble finding sheets large enough for patches as large as yours....

It is nasty - you put it on and leave it on until it falls off. It turns kind of whitish from its yellow/clear unused appearance and gets a bit puffy. (it is *not* puss - it is the dressing absorbing and holding moisture) It usually stays on for 3-7 days depending on how often you shower and how dry you can keep it when you do.

It heals up road rash about twice as fast as spots that are allowed to scab up.

[Susie Derkins]

I have to ask, is the bike okay? That's the important thing right? LOL

Amazingly - yes! Just found out last night. I need new bar tape (mine was white and I bled all over it), new shifter plates, new hoods, I ripped the (brand new - damnit!) saddle, and a couple other little things, but they are all cosmetic. The frame is sound, so she will ride again. Woot!

[redrhodie]

That looks so painful. (((Susie))) I hope it stops hurting soon!

[Abarnes]

Having raced for many years, I know all too well about this topic

a good link on road rash treatment from Dr. Arnie Baker: http://arniebakercycling.info/pubs/F...Rash%20ABC.pdf

The key to road rash is to make sure there is no debris in the wound, period. Yes this means de-briding - which I prefer to do myself, rather than the intern in the ER. They actually use a bristle brush.

Treat the wound like a burn in some ways - sliding on the pavement can really 'cook' the skin as well as slice it. Keep covered, keep moist. Change dressings every day, slough off dead cells (blood, skin) to reduce scarring.

I do not prefer the Tegaderm style of occlusive dressings primarily for the expense. Some of my various road rashes have been a bit on the "XL" side of surface area, so it would take 2-3 Tegaderms to cover my big a$$.

The guaze bandage/fishnet bandage combo work great over joints (knees and elbows)

The elastic 'fishnet' bandage can be found at CVS: http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/sh...e_Free_Listing