Motorbike scrapes and road rash: how to clean and dress a wound
By Tropica Pharmacy, Sri Thanu · Updated
Scrapes from a motorbike fall are the most common injury we see. Most heal well with careful cleaning and a fresh dressing each day. In a hot, humid climate wounds get infected more easily, so the first clean matters most.
Clean it properly, straight away
- Wash your hands first.
- Rinse the wound with plenty of clean water or saline. Take your time.
- Remove all sand and grit. Dirt left in the skin causes infection and can leave a permanent mark.
- Dab antiseptic, such as povidone-iodine, on and around the scrape.
Cover it
- Use a non-stick dressing so it does not tear the new skin when you change it.
- Hold it in place with gauze and tape, or a light bandage.
- Change the dressing every day, and sooner if it gets wet or dirty.
We can dress it for you
We clean and dress wounds in store. Walk in any day between 9AM and 8PM, for the first dressing or for the daily changes.
Keep it dry and out of the sea
Stay out of the sea, pools and waterfalls until the wound has closed. Warm water carries bacteria that infect open skin. A waterproof dressing helps in the shower, but it is not made for swimming.
Keep the area out of the sun once it has healed. New skin burns and darkens easily.
Watch for infection
- Redness that spreads, or red streaks moving away from the wound.
- More pain, swelling or warmth after the first two days.
- Pus, or a bad smell.
- Fever or feeling unwell.
When to see a doctor
- The wound is deep, gaping, or will not stop bleeding after 10 minutes of firm pressure.
- You cannot get the dirt or gravel out.
- It is on the face, over a joint, or covers a large area.
- You hit your head, lost consciousness, or think a bone may be broken.
- Any sign of infection listed above.
- Your last tetanus booster was more than five years ago, or you are not sure.
In our shop
Order online and collect in store the same day. Medicines are sold in store only: ask the pharmacist.
Questions? Call 0887995233, message us on WhatsApp, or visit the store: open every day, 9AM–8PM.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It does not replace a consultation with a pharmacist or doctor.