From the Research
Road rash should be managed by first gently cleaning the wound with mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris, then applying an antibiotic ointment like Bacitracin or Neosporin and covering with a sterile bandage. For deeper abrasions, irrigate thoroughly with saline solution before applying medication.
Key Considerations
- Change the dressing daily or whenever it becomes wet or dirty.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours) as needed for pain.
- Watch for signs of infection including increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever, which would require medical attention.
- Keep the wound moist with ointment to promote healing and minimize scarring, as dry scabs can delay healing and increase scar formation.
Evidence-Based Recommendations
According to the most recent and highest quality study 1, topical antibiotics probably reduce the risk of surgical site infection in people with surgical wounds healing by primary intention compared with no topical antibiotic. The use of topical antibiotics resulted in significantly lower infection rates than did the use of a petrolatum control, as seen in 2.
Special Considerations
For extensive or deep road rash, especially with embedded debris or involving joints, face, or hands, seek medical care promptly as professional debridement or even skin grafting might be necessary. Complete healing typically takes 2-3 weeks depending on the depth and extent of the abrasion. It is essential to note that while older studies such as 3 and 4 support the use of topical antibiotics, the most recent evidence 1 provides the strongest guidance for current practice.