What Is Road Rash and Why Does It Leave Scars?
Road rash is a slang or laymen’s term for a condition better known in the medical field as a traumatic tattoo. If you’ve ever had an accident—bike, car or motorcycle—or know someone who has, then you may be familiar with it. If a patient’s skin becomes scraped and filled with gravel, sand, pavement or asphalt during a traumatic accident, a “staining” effect can occur. The healed skin or “scar” that’s left behind usually has a blackish or bluish discoloration.
How Laser Treatment Helps Road Rash Scars
Many people aren’t aware that tattoo removal lasers are great tools for the treatment of road rash and should be used early in the recovery phase. These devices are safe to use on every skin type (color), so anyone who has suffered a road rash injury may have treatment. Laser treatments usually need to be done in a series, but the results and improvement we’ve seen with them is dramatic.
Can Older Road Rash Scars Be Treated?
Older road rash injuries can be treated too, but may not respond as well to the laser. If you or someone you know has a road rash scar, there is help. We would love to opportunity to evaluate your injury and tell you more about the success we’ve had treating this difficult condition.
Scar Removal Before and After Pictures
Most Common FAQs
1. Can road rash cause permanent scars?
Yes. Road rash can leave behind dark marks or traumatic tattoos if dirt, gravel, or asphalt becomes embedded in the skin. Early road rash treatment and laser therapy can help reduce scar formation.
2. How can I prevent a road rash infection?
Clean the wound thoroughly with mild soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a clean bandage. This lowers the risk of road rash infection while the skin heals.
3. What are the best treatments for a road rash scar?
Scar creams, silicone gels, and sunscreen can help fade discoloration over time. For deeper or older scars, laser treatment and other medical procedures are more effective.
4. How long does road rash take to heal?
Mild road rash may heal in 1–2 weeks, while deeper injuries can take several weeks. Proper road rash treatment, including wound care and infection prevention, speeds up recovery.
5. Is laser treatment effective for road rash scars?
Yes. Tattoo removal lasers are highly effective for road rash scar treatment, even on Black or darker skin types. Multiple sessions may be needed for the best results.
