Is it normal for road rash to swell

And scrapes that might contain bacteria from dirt and gravel are more susceptible. The attorneys of Johnson and Gilbert want to help you get the compensation you deserve. Besides infection, road rash causes other potentially serious risks, including: Scarring and disfigurement: This is particularly true with third-degree road rash on visible areas of the body, such as the hands or face.

Road rash scarring may require skin graft surgery. To prevent scarring from first or second-degree road rash injuries, you should keep the area clean and moist, using petroleum jelly to prevent scabbing during the healing process and regularly changing the bandage or gauze that you use to cover the wounded area.

Additionally, you should avoid picking at scabbed areas, as this may increase your risk of scarring or infection and cause the wound to take longer to heal. Scarring on joints: Road rash that occurs on jointed areas, such as the elbows or the knees, may result in the skin healing tighter than it was before the injury.

This can cause difficulties with fully bending or extending the joint, which may require surgery or physical therapy to alleviate. Chronic wound: A chronic wound is one that takes an abnormally long time to heal and repeatedly opens. This can be a result of a bacterial infection or a weakened immune system. Certain underlying health conditions make this complication more likely, including diabetes or cancer. Permanent nerve, muscle, or tissue damage Skin graft surgery to repair areas that experience significant scarring involves replacing the damaged skin with healthy skin that is harvested from your own body in discrete areas, such as the buttocks or thigh.

Certain road conditions cause an increased risk of suffering an accident that could result in road rash, including: Gravel and roads where loose gravel may be present on the pavement Wet or icy roads Roads that are oily due to motor vehicle residue.

Riders should pay attention at intersections or other locations where cars idle, because oil spots can make them slick. Obstacles in the road, including trash or debris that could cause an accident or cause you to swerve in avoidance of an accident. Roads or trails that feature a steep incline where the rider may pick up speed and lose control. Motorcycle gear that may prevent road rash or lessen its severity includes: A helmet with a face shield.

Shields are generally made of shatter-proof material and may have a tint to reduce eye strain when riding during daylight hours. You should always take care to use a face shield that is free from scratches, as scratched shields may blur your vision. Jackets, pants, and riding suits. The highest level of road rash protection is usually found in leather or synthetic, abrasive-resistant fabric, such as ballistic nylon.

Gear designed specifically for motorcyclists will generally feature additional protection through longer sleeves and legs. Additionally, padded options can provide extra cushion for high impact areas, such as the elbows and knees.

Riders should opt for full-fingered gloves made of an abrasive-resistant material, such as leather. Riders should ensure that their gloves fit properly. Sturdy boots that fit over the ankle provide the best protection against road rash on the ankles and feet.

Pain will lessen as the wound heals. The wound may feel stiff, dry, itchy, or tight as it heals. Use moisturizing lotion to relieve these symptoms. The skin is healed when it appears dull pink or red, is not moist or weepy, and no longer stings when you touch it. Newly healed skin needs moisturizing creams to prevent drying and cracking. Once your wound is healed, stop using the Bacitracin, Cutecerin gauze and gauze dressings. Apply creams free of alcohol such as Elta lite, Aquaphor, Eucerin, Nivea as often as needed to keep the skin moist and soft.

Flu-like symptoms fever, chills, nausea or vomiting, and muscle aches. Refer a Patient. Find a Doctor. Search UW Health. Pay a bill. Technically known as sepsis, blood poisoning is a dangerous infection that occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream. Sepsis can lead to septic shock — a life-threatening condition involving organ failure and dangerously low blood pressure.

Septic shock requires emergency medical attention to prevent serious complications or death. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections after serious motorcycle accidents. These medications can kill harmful bacteria in the body and prevent them from multiplying.

Some bacteria may respond to a particular antibiotic, while others may not. For milder road rash infections, oral antibiotics are typically prescribed. For a more serious infection, you may need to be hospitalized and given more potent IV doses of antibiotics.

If the road rash is severe, you may also need reconstructive skin-grafting surgery when the infection is under control. When road rash leads to serious infection, it can mean hospitalization, extensive medical treatment, and time away from work. You may be entitled to damages including past and future medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Your best course of action is to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

At Grant Law Office, we provide aggressive and compassionate representation after motorcycle crashes, bicycle accidents, and a range of personal injury matters. Together, our husband-and-wife team of Atlanta personal injury attorneys takes a thorough approach to cases, employing strategic thought and planning.

Call us today at to schedule a free consultation.