Do not scrub vigorously as this may further damage the skin. Use a clean washcloth or gauze to gently remove any dirt or debris.
Mild antibacterial soap may be used, but avoid hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol as they may harm the skin and delay the healing process. This can be accomplished with a large amount of water or with a saline wound wash under moderate pressure. Road rash should be cleaned as quickly and thoroughly as possible to prevent infection. This level of injury requires immediate medical attention and may require a skin graft to heal properly. The loss of skin reveals underlying fat and connective tissue. Third Degree – This is the most severe and affects all layers of the skin. Medical attention is required if the bleeding won’t stop, if there is a deep cut that requires stitches, or if any debris remains deeply embedded within the skin. The skin will appear discolored and moist. Second Degree – The outer and portions of the inner layer (dermis) are affected. The skin will appear red but typically will not require extensive treatment. The level of skin injury can be classified into three degrees.įirst Degree – Only the outer layer of skin (epidermis) is affected. After ensuring there are no severe injuries or broken bones, the next thing to evaluate is the severity of skin damage or road rash. It turned out to be a grueling race with several riders crashing on the descent of the final climb.įalling onto the pavement at high speeds is obviously a traumatic experience for both professional and novice riders alike. The 2016 Olympic women’s and men’s road races were completed in Rio this past weekend.