Riding with road rash

I'm planning on doing the 100km GS ride at Mt Torrens next weekend and need some advice re riding with the residual effects from last weekend's fall.  Essentially I have a palm-sized area of skin about 4-5 inches below my hip that is absent its top few layers of skin that's slowly healing but will likely be pretty pink still next week.  Its currently covered in optiflex with a combine dressing to absorb anything that escapes.  For those that have ridden with similar injuries, what advice can you provide for protecting it from rubbing against knicks?

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Permalink Reply by RD6 on March 24, 2012 at 17:08

 Jens Voigt doesn't get road rash, the road gets Jens Rash.

Permalink Reply by Simon Lownsborough on March 26, 2012 at 13:44

chuckle………

Permalink Reply by snappy_don on March 26, 2012 at 9:22

Yep, I think you're doing the right thing. I've ridden with Op-site or whatever brand on my hip plus a softer dressing over the top for padding. It seemed to seal it well without any rubbing issues.

Permalink Reply by Darren on March 26, 2012 at 14:16

The situation has changed quite a bit in the last two days - no more weeping, swelling is down, pain is significantly reduced, and the dressing is starting to pong (badly).  I'm thinking of taking the opsite off tonight and using the Solstice gel on it with a non-stick dressing.  I'll pop some more Opsite over it just for riding to stop any rubbing/irritation.  The gravel rash on my elbow has almost completely disappeared so despite feeling like the wound was basting like a chicken in marinade for a few days I'm quite sold on the benefits of this approach now...

Thanks for all the advice!

Permalink Reply by Lyndelle Barry on March 26, 2012 at 16:26

Absolutely do not put steroid cream on. It actually slows healing of open wounds. Terrific for heat rash/chaffing however!

I second the opsite +/- crepe bandage over the top.

Permalink Reply by Christene Heney on March 27, 2012 at 19:06

Lyndelle can you tell me how long it would be til the stinging subsides please?

Permalink Reply by snappy_don on March 27, 2012 at 20:22

Oh yeah- I changed dressings regularly to keep it fresh. I also recommend a soft mesh dressing called Jelnet or similar (ask your chemist- there's some great wound products available) which allows the fluids to drain away naturally.

But hey, I'd be cautious about crowd-sourcing too much medical advice! - if you think it might be infected go check it with your GP asap.

Permalink Reply by Rob (Chewbacca) on March 28, 2012 at 0:49

Yup just as Snappy said....sound advice :)

Permalink Reply by Darren on March 28, 2012 at 13:39

I did actually see the doc early on and he thought, despite it looking "like a skin graft" that it was otherwise in good condition.  I was mainly looking from the more practical cyclist point-of-view of how you ride with it without causing further damage or pain.

I had my first ride in 10 days this morning (the 12km to work) and it feels fine with the opsite over it - couldn't say the same for the tightness in my drivers!  Looking forward to GS2 now!

Thanks for all the advice!

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