This has happened to almost every triathlete: if we weren't paying attention during bike training and we're already lying on the road, the pain is great, even if nothing is broken. If the "wallpaper" is off, i.e. the skin has been scraped open, it is important to act quickly to prevent long-term consequences. Here you can read what to do.
Abrasions hurt, although the injury is rarely deep. The upper layer of skin, the epidermis, is then scraped open over a large area - and the nerves are literally bare. It only bleeds when the deeper layer of dermis is also injured. The body then allows the blood to clot so that the wounds close themselves and no harmful germs can get inside the body. But as is so often the case, two is better than one: Anyone who has “smooched” the asphalt should treat the wound as quickly as possible and support the body in preventing infection. Because if the injury becomes infected, even a graze can have long-term consequences.
treat abrasions
It should be said right at the beginning: Cleaning abrasions can be quite painful: That's why it makes sense to get help. A paramedic or even a doctor should definitely look at the wound if it is deeper and very large.
First, dirt and other foreign bodies must be removed; this is the most painful part of care. Particularly nasty: when split ends get into the wound. Please have large splinters (e.g. broken glass) removed by a doctor – the bleeding often increases after removal. Sterile water or mineral water is suitable for thorough cleaning of the wound; alcohol-based agents can be too irritating. Disinfectants containing iodine can also help, but some people are allergic to them.
knee pain
A common mistake: applying ointment. Please don't, no ointment should be used on open wounds. Only when the injury is healed and dry can ointment support healing. A bandage or plaster is sufficient for the time being. The wound should not come into contact with water for the first few days. Opinions are divided when it comes to “brushing open” the wound. The fact is: it is painful and disrupts healing processes that have already been completed or started. So if the wound heals without problems, further stress should be avoided. If the wound shows signs of inflammation (weeping, is warm or even suppurating), contact a doctor immediately. The better the initial wound care, the less risk of scarring.
How long to pause?
The training break is of course dependent on the severity of the injury. The healing process for minor wounds only takes a few days if everything heals well. Swimming should be off the schedule for at least ten days. Since joints such as elbows, hips or knees are often affected, cycling and running are not recommended for larger injuries, since the movement of the joints can stress wound healing. As soon as a firm scab has formed on the wound, you should be able to start again. In general, it is important to keep a close eye on the wound and to change the bandages or plasters regularly.
prevention
Of course, a fall can happen at any time - be it on the road when a driver is not careful or in a competition when a fall tears a whole group to the ground. We ourselves can only avoid unnecessary risk and ensure that the tetanus vaccination is always up to date. The classic form of prevention is shaving your legs – less hair makes wound cleaning and healing easier.
