Caring for road rash injuries

Published: August 2022

Last Reviewed: May 2025

Whether you're cycling, skating, or running, one wrong move can leave you with more than just a bruised ego — it can leave you with road rash. This common skin injury, caused by abrasive contact with rough surfaces like tarmac or concrete, can range from minor grazes to more serious wounds.

At Elastoplast, we understand that prompt, effective treatment is essential for easing discomfort, preventing infection, and reducing the risk of scarring. In this article, we’ll walk you through what road rash is, how to treat it properly, and how to support your skin’s natural healing process with the right care from the very start.

Road rash (also known as ‘gravel rash’ or ‘road burn’) is a type of skin abrasion that occurs when the outer layers of skin are scraped away by friction, typically during a fall or skid across a rough surface such as tarmac, gravel, or pavement. Although it’s commonly associated with cyclists and motorcyclists, road rash can happen to anyone – joggers, children playing outdoors, or even pedestrians who trip and fall. 

Gravel rash can vary in severity, depending on the speed of the fall, the surface involved, and how much of the body is affected. Minor cases may involve light grazing, redness, and slight bleeding, while more serious abrasions can strip away deeper layers of skin, expose raw tissue, and result in significant discomfort. 

Gravel rash usually occurs during high-friction accidents. When the skin comes into sudden, forceful contact with a hard surface, such as falling off a bike or being thrown from a scooter, the friction generates enough force to peel away the upper layers of the skin.

Common accidents that lead to road rash include: 

• Cycling accidents  
• Motorbike crashes  
• Skating and scootering 
• Running or walking mishaps 

Because the skin is the body’s first line of defence, any breach like this needs proper cleaning and care to avoid infection and to support healing.

Road rash can vary widely, from a mild inconvenience to a painful, deep wound that requires medical attention. It’s usually categorised by degrees of severity, much like burns, depending on how many layers of skin are affected.

This is the mildest form of road rash and only affects the top layer of skin (the epidermis). It typically presents as: 

• Redness 
• Minor scrapes 
• Mild stinging or tenderness
• Minimal or no bleeding 

While it may look dramatic, first-degree abrasions often heal quickly with basic first aid and good hygiene.

This type affects both the outer layer and part of the underlying skin (dermis). It may involve: 

• More noticeable bleeding 
• Raw, pink or red skin 
• Embedded dirt or gravel
• Moderate pain or burning sensation 

Second-degree abrasions are more prone to infection and scarring, so proper cleaning, dressing, and aftercare is essential.

The most severe type, third-degree road rash, goes through all layers of the skin and may expose underlying tissues like fat or muscle. It’s characterised by: 

• Deep wounds 
• Heavy bleeding 
• Severe pain (or, in some cases, numbness if nerves are damaged)
• Risk of serious infection 

This level of injury often requires professional medical treatment, and in some cases, stitches, skin grafts, or long-term wound management may be necessary. 

Understanding which type of road rash you’re dealing with is important in determining the best course of treatment. In the next section, we’ll walk you through how to treat road rash safely at home and how to recognise when it’s time to seek medical help.

When it comes to treating road rash, quick and careful first aid is essential to prevent infection, promote healing, and minimise scarring. Here's a simple, effective routine designed to protect and support your skin through every stage of recovery.

Before touching the wound, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an antiseptic gel. This helps avoid introducing bacteria into the injury.

Thoroughly rinse the affected area with clean, lukewarm water to remove dirt, grit, or small stones. For a gentler and more hygienic clean, use Elastoplast Wound Spray, a pain and alcohol-free solution that helps flush out impurities while being kind to the skin.

Once the area is clean and dry, apply a thin layer of Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment. This clinically proven formula creates a moist healing environment, which helps wounds heal and reduces the chance of scarring. It supports natural skin regeneration and is suitable for sensitive skin. 

Give your wound advanced protection with Elastoplast Second Skin Hydrocolloid Dressings. This dressing mimics the skin’s own natural barrier, offering unmatched protection and comfort and is ideal for more serious grazes or exposed skin. Second Skin Dressings are perfect for larger wounds or areas with high movement (e.g., knees, elbows) and can be cut to size for a customised fit. 

Elastoplast’s Second Skin Hydrocolloid technology forms a breathable, waterproof barrier to block out bacteria while cushioning and protecting against bumps, friction, and further irritation. This barrier accelerates the natural healing process and ensures a clean environment. The dressings stay in place for multiple days while being hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin.

Thanks to the long-lasting adhesive and breathable design, Second Skin Hydrocolloid Dressings can be left in place for several days, promoting uninterrupted healing. However, change the dressing if it: 

• Becomes loose or soiled 
• Shows signs of fluid build-up
• Causes discomfort or irritation 

Before applying a fresh dressing, gently cleanse the area again and reapply Wound Healing Ointment.

Consult a healthcare professional if: 

• The gravel rash is deep, large, or heavily contaminated 
• You notice signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, pus, or pain)

The healing time for road rash depends on the depth and severity of the abrasion, as well as how well it’s cleaned, protected, and cared for. Here’s a general breakdown: 

First-degree road rash: 

• Healing time: 3 to 7 days 
• Affects only the top layer of skin (epidermis) 
• Typically involves light grazing, redness, and minimal bleeding 
• Usually heals without scabbing or scarring when kept clean and covered

Second-degree road rash: 

• Healing time: 1 to 2 weeks 
• Affects both the outer layer and part of the underlying skin (dermis) 
• May involve raw, weeping skin and moderate bleeding 
• Proper care, including moist wound healing (e.g. with Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment and Second Skin dressings), can significantly speed up recovery and reduce scarring

Third-degree road rash 

• Healing time: 2 weeks to several weeks or more 
• Involves damage through all layers of skin and possibly to the underlying tissue 
• Often requires medical attention, and in some cases, stitches or skin grafts 
• Risk of scarring is higher, especially if infection occurs or healing is delayed 

Please note that, although these were compiled with great care, the tips and advice given on this website by no means substitute medical advice and treatment. If you have or suspect a health problem, consult a doctor and follow medical advice regardless of what you have learned on this website.

Always read carefully and follow the instructions for use or the product leaflets. For further information about our products, please contact us via email at ConsumerRelationsUK@Beiersdorf.com.