Road rash/burn? and the red?

Question

I had a little crash today and i have a few major cuts and a lot of red. what is the red? how long will it take to heal? (it looks awesome!)

Answer 1

As everyone else has told you, it's road rash dude.  Congratulations, you're now one of us.  It comes from being allergic to contact with rough paved surfaces at speed.

I've been a road racer for almost 25 years and my allergic reaction to the road has never gotten any better -- but I do fall less since it's been years since I've had to ride alongside those Cat 4 and 5 muggins.

The big problem is infection from bacteria that you pick up from the road.  Here's what I do (seriously): As soon as I get home I get in the shower and take a fingernail cleaning brush to the area with plain soap and scrub it vigorously. Yes, it hurts but you can do it, and won't regret it.  I've been doing it for years and since adopting this approach have never had an infection.

After it dries, just apply Neosporin (or a similar anti-bacterial cream -- store brand is cheaper and just as good) twice a day until it heals.  I always carry it in my bike bag, along with the little alcohol wipes that they sell at the drug store for injection preparation for diabetics, etc.

It'll heal in a week or two, depending on the severity.  Just be sure to keep it clean.

Answer 2

its road rash, you scraped off the first few skin layers, and you have exposed the "raw" part of the skin. Clean it well with water (no soap), if it's a very small patch you may disinfect it with surgical spirit (but it will sting like h**l). Don't put surgical spirit on big patches, but put disinfecting cream (you find this at pharmacies - tell them what it's for). Resist the urge to scratch it. It will form a scab. Again, unless you want to end up with scars (like me) resist the urge to scratch/pick the scab. It will fall off on its own in due course.

Answer 3

If it's what I think it is, you have scraped off the first few layers of skin.  Now for the fun part.  It will turn yellow and crusty in a day or so, then it may look like a blister with green or yellow fluid inside.  Then it finally scabs up.  Total time before scab is gone: 2-3 weeks.