Road rash is one of the most common injuries a motorcyclist can receive in an accident. While most cases of road rash (also known as road burn) can be easily treated, this deceptively harmful injury carries a high risk of infection and other complications.
Wondering if your road rash is infected? You should see a doctor regarding road rash infection if:
- It feels hot to the touch.
- The swelling appears to be increasing, not decreasing.
- The surrounding area is discolored (especially if it's green).
- It smells foul or has a bad-smelling discharge.
- It is covered in blisters or oozing.
- You have a fever.
- Your pain level is increasing, not decreasing.
Any open wound is susceptible to infection, and road rash is typically an open wound that covers a large portion of the body. Foreign objects, such as little pieces of gravel, glass, or metal stuck inside the wound, can enhance the potential for a serious infection that requires additional medical care. Additionally, people with medical issues or a compromised immune system may be at a higher risk for infection.
If you suspect that your road rash may be infected, you should see a doctor immediately. The longer the infection goes untreated, the more it will spread and the harder it will be to treat.
Don't let an infected road rash fester! If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident you may be facing steep medical bills and a loss of quality of life. Call Nickelsporn & Lundin, P.C. at 301-942-9118 for a free consultation.