If you are motorcyclist, chances are you have taken a fall. No matter if you are just beginning or an experienced rider, falls can, and do, happen. If you haven’t already, chances are you will experience a case of road rash because of fall in the future.
The term for an abrasion of the skin, road rash is caused specifically by a city street, highway, or other pavement during an accident. In most instances, road rash is only mild and superficial. However, according to Healthline, severe cases of road rash do happen, and they carry with them a risk of complications.
Road Rash Severity
Abrasion injuries, like road rash, are categorized into three different degrees based on severity. The most severe is a third-degree abrasion. This type of wound extends below the superficial layer of the skin all the way to the dermis, which is the deeper layer, and even down into the tissues beneath. This type of abrasion can bleed profusely and carries a much greater risk of complications. Third-degree abrasions are sometimes referred to as an avulsion injury.
Road Rash Complications
The most likely complications of third-degree road rash are infection and scarring. The risk of these complications can be greatly reduced if you seek treatment as soon as possible. Following your accident, you should monitor your wound for signs of infection. Keep an eye out for symptoms such as fever and foul-smelling wound discharge. If an infection does occur, you may notice yellow, green, or brown discharge from the wound, a painful lump in your armpit or groin, or find that your skin is very painful and irritated. An infected wound may not heal on its own, so it is important to see your doctor who will probably prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
To reduce your risk of scarring, do not pick at your wound. And, to reduce your risk of infection, keep your wound clean and follow a medical professional’s advice.