There is no denying that cycling is an
excellent way to be active while also exploring the great outdoors. It does not
matter how long it has been since you have been cycling; one thing all cyclists
can agree on is that the occasional crash or scrape is part of the adventure.
Road rash is a common cycling injury that many
cyclists experience. But don't worry, treating road rash doesn't have to be
difficult, mainly if you use items such as cohesive bandages. In this article,
we will walk you through the basics of road rash and how to treat it in the
best manner possible so you can get back on your bike quickly. Let's get
started!
What Is Road Rash?
Before we can discuss how you can fix this
issue and treat your cycling road rash with things like cohesive
bandages, it is first essential to understand what road rash is.
Road rash develops when your skin is rubbed
against a rough surface, most commonly the road itself. This type of injury is
relatively prevalent among cyclists and usually occurs when a fall from the
bike causes a sliding motion on the ground's surface.
Road rash comes as a big scratch on the skin,
and it may even result in blood. While road rash is unpleasant, the positive
news is that it is usually not a severe injury. It often cures on its own
within a few weeks.
It's critical to treat road rash carefully to
avoid consequences like infections and scars. Cleaning and caring for the
damaged region are vital to healing.
But don't worry; in this blog post, you will
get the critical information. We will tell you how to successfully treat road
rash and manage this common cycling injury, as well as promote a quick
recovery.
What Causes A Road Rash?
When you fall off your bike, you get road
rash. When you fall on an uneven surface during a fall, it scrapes away the top
layer of your skin. This injury is more likely to occur if you fall from your
bike at a fast speed or on the ground with razor-sharp edges.
Road rash can be more severe in these
circumstances since it can remove multiple layers of skin. When this happens,
you may require medical attention as soon as possible to ensure that it heals
properly.
What To Do To Treat Road Rash?
In most cases, you can take care of road rash
at home, and you don't need to worry too much. The goal is to take care of the
wound by cleaning it fast and removing anything from the outside, such as dirt
or germs.
You can prevent infections and further damage
to your body by doing so. Here are some basic but essential measures to
properly cure road rash:
1.
Begin by cleaning your hands: Now, before touching the
wound, you need to ensure that your hands are super clean. What it does is that
it keeps potentially hazardous substances, such as germs, from entering the
wound and developing an infection. You wouldn't want that to happen.
2.
Clean the wound gently: You can clean the wound with
the help of a specific Wound Spray or ordinary lukewarm water. If you see any
additional harmful things from outside, carefully remove them. However, do not
scrub the injury too vigorously, as this may aggravate it and cause additional
bleeding.
3. Put
on a dressing: After cleaning the wound, apply a
dressing to keep it safe. Some individuals ask if it is better to let a wound
heal naturally or to apply a plaster or cohesive bandages. According to
research, keeping the wound moist helps it recover faster and prevents road
rash.
These bandages and plasters can be used to
accelerate the healing process of road rash. If you leave the plaster on the
wound for a few days, it will work better. The plaster or bandage, which is
waterproof and allows your skin to breathe, can also shield and protect the
wound from outside elements that could harm it.
4. Use
antibiotic ointment: This ointment is a wound-healing
superhero. It thoroughly cleans it. It not only eliminates any bacteria that
may have come into contact with the wound, but it also keeps it moist. Remember
to be cautious when putting it on so you don't worsen the bleeding.
It's essential to understand that failing to
take sufficient care and keep the wound clean can allow bacteria to enter and
develop an infection.
5.
Change the bandage every day: To keep things clean,
standard plaster or bandage should be changed once a day. If it becomes wet or
soiled faster than intended, it's a hint that it needs to be changed more
frequently. This improves cleanliness and protects the wound.
6. Keep
an eye out for signs of infection: If the pain becomes
more severe, the region turns red, or you develop a fever, it's time to contact
a doctor. They may prescribe medicines to treat any infection. It's always best
to be careful and get medical attention if you believe something is wrong with
your healing road rash.
How Long The Recovery Can Take?
The time it takes for road rash to recover may
differ. It is determined by the severity of the wound as well as how
effectively you care for it.
Minor road rash injuries, such as scrapes,
usually heal in a few days or a week. However, if your wound is severe and
impacts nerves, you may require surgery or medical attention.
Cyclists, in particular, may experience this
if they are involved in a bike accident, and these wounds may result in scars.
So, it indeed relies on the severity of the damage and how it's managed.
What Are The Ways To Avoid Road Rash?
Cycling accidents can occur at any time of
year, so it is critical to be prepared. Whether or not you're cycling on
slippery winter roads or in summertime with less protective clothing, using
proper protective gear will significantly lower your chance of road rash and
other injuries.
Avoiding road rash while cycling is no doubt
essential for your safety. Consider the following steps in this matter:
1.
Helmet Having A Proper Face Shield: A helmet is your first line of defense.
It not only covers your head and neck from significant blows, but it also
includes a face shield to avoid facial wounds.
2.
Protective clothes: Invest in long-lasting leather
jackets, riding suits, and trousers. Nylon or leather, for example, acts as a
layer of protection against the harsh road surface.
3.
Elbow and knee pads: These function as arm and leg
bodyguards. They protect your joints and are particularly beneficial in
preventing sand, rock, and gravel road rash.
4.
Protective gloves: These are made of rigid materials
that include leather and are vital for your hands. They protect your hands from
scrapes and cuts. Choose the proper glove size to keep a firm grip on your
handlebars.
5.
Strong Boots: Opt for solid boots that protect your
ankles. These boots provide the best protection against road rash injuries in
these areas.
Final Thoughts
No doubt, road rash can happen to anyone,
especially if you are a cyclist. However, it is essential to deal with the
wounds carefully and correctly. Using medical supplies like cohesive bandages
can significantly help in this regard.
First of all, you need to try your best to
avoid such injuries by following the tips we have mentioned above. In case such
unfortunate incidents occur, you need to make sure you deal with them
appropriately. It can help you avoid further severe issues from happening in
the future.