From the Research
The best treatment for road rash is to clean the wound thoroughly, apply an antibiotic ointment, cover with a non-stick sterile dressing, and change the dressing daily, while also considering the use of ReCell Autologous Skin Cell Suspension for severe cases, as it has shown promise in reducing pain and promoting wound healing 1. When treating road rash, it is essential to prioritize wound cleaning and infection prevention to minimize the risk of morbidity and mortality. The use of mild soap and water to remove dirt, debris, and bacteria is crucial in preventing infection. After cleaning, applying an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin or Polysporin can help prevent infection and keep the wound moist. However, it is essential to note that the use of bacitracin has been associated with an increasing number of allergic contact dermatitis reactions and near-fatal anaphylaxis, and its routine usage in clean surgical wounds has been advocated for discontinuation 2.
Some key considerations for road rash treatment include:
- Cleaning the wound thoroughly with mild soap and water
- Applying an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection and keep the wound moist
- Covering the area with a non-stick sterile dressing, such as Telfa pads, and securing with medical tape or wrap
- Changing the dressing daily or whenever it becomes wet or dirty
- Using over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain management, as directed on the packaging
- Keeping the wound moist and covered until a scab forms to promote faster healing and reduce scarring
- Watching for signs of infection, including increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or red streaks extending from the wound, as well as fever
- Seeking medical attention for deep wounds, embedded debris that cannot be removed, signs of infection, or if the wound is large or on the face
It is also important to consider the use of ReCell Autologous Skin Cell Suspension for severe road rash cases, as it has shown promise in reducing pain and promoting wound healing 1. Additionally, the use of topical antimicrobial agents, such as mafenide acetate, mupirocin, and triple-antibiotic combinations, has been shown to be effective in preventing wound infections 3. However, the most recent and highest-quality study on road rash treatment is the 2023 study on ReCell Autologous Skin Cell Suspension, which demonstrated its potential as an independent treatment modality for pain and skin injury secondary to severe road rash 1.