How To Treat Road Rash | Vuelta A España 2014

Road rash is a common injury among pro and amateur cyclists alike. The right treatment is crucial for a quick recovery.
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We spoke to Garmin-Sharp doctor Phil Stawski, who recently had to patch up Ryder Hesjedal after he took a fall on stage 7 of this year's Vuelta. Depending on the size of the wound, road rash can be a really tough injury to treat effectively at a Grand Tour, but the first step is to ensure the wound is clean and free of any foreign bodies that might cause infection.

Next, teams will generally add a layer of ointment over the rash that will aid healing and keep bacteria out. Two layers of dressing follow that, and then it's just a case of waiting for the skin to heal.

After a time, some riders will keep the wound covered or allow it to 'air', again depending on the location and size of the wound.

Photos: ©Tim De Waele / http://www.tdwsport.com

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