What Should You do After Getting a Turf Burn?

Turf burn is quite a common sports injury sustained by athletes or sportsperson who play football or soccer. Motorcycle accidents also cause turn burn injury. Friction is one of the major causes of turf burns. Turf Burn injury generates heat while also removing skin layers. This leads to the formation of a ‘raspberry-like’ abrasion.

Turf burn creates an opening for bacteria like staph. If a turf burn becomes infected, it could lead to the development of weepy sores that will spread the bacteria to other parts of the body, especially those areas which have open wounds. When you do not pay heed and leave the turf burn wound untreated, bone or bloodstream infections or pneumonia may follow. You might not be able to avoid a turf burn, but, it is imperative that the wound is treated and healed on a war-footing. When you pay heed to the wound and treat it, your skin’s defensive powers will increase. It also helps in preventing long-term scarring.^[1]

The injury caused after friction with turf grass requires cleaning in order to remove grass and debris. If they are not treated, debris can get stuck to the wound, causing infection. Although a turf burn can be termed as a minor ailment, neglecting it could be detrimental to your body. You also run the risk of being exposed to secondary infection and scarring, too.

One should look out for signs of infection like redness around the area of turf burn, as well as oozing of pus and other symptoms. If you notice any of these signs, visit a doctor immediately. If there are symptoms and signs of infection, most doctors would prescribe oral antibiotics in addition to antibacterial ointments which can be applied directly to the infected turf burn wound area.^[2]

When you sustain a turf burn, use a clean cloth or sterile gauze on the area and apply pressure to prohibit bleeding. Bleeding caused by turf burn injury will stop after applying pressure to the area for a few minutes. However, weeping of clear fluids could persist after bleeding stops. Use an antiseptic solution to clean the area.

Make sure to use a saline solution to clean the turf burn abrasion. Rinse it gently to disinfect the wound. This will ensure the removal of debris and dirt. This will prevent it from sticking to the wound. A saline solution should include 1/4 teaspoon of a non-iodized salt like sea salt or kosher salt. Add it to clean water to make a solution. Chemicals like iodine, peroxide and alcohol could cause pain if applied and may damage the skin further. The purpose behind the process is to cleanse the wound if grass or dirt accumulates. If you do not find antiseptic saline solution, soap and water will also help to clean the wound.

If you get a turf burn, it would do you a world of good to apply hydrogel liberally to the turf burn surface. Why is hydrogel effective? It will moisten the abrasion when dressed, an important aspect to ensure healing of turf burns. According to experts, dressing moist wounds will help reduce healing time considerably. It also aids in preventing infection and reducing pain, especially where turf burns are concerned.

After applying the hydrogel, cover the abrasion with occlusive dressing. The dressing ensures a moist environment, thereby allowing the turf burn to heal properly. You can get occlusive dressings from your local pharmacy. These dressings include adhesive films and waterproof bandages. Any dressings that helps keep the area moist will ensure healing and prevent scars and scabs from forming. Therefore, occlusive dressing is an important step in the turf burn healing process.

In order to ensure turf burns heal properly, you need to make sure each step is followed well. It is imperative that you change the dressing a day or two after putting it. Changing the dressing ensures that the turf burn remains moist and does not show infection. An infection will be characterized by redness or foul odor. When you are in the process of changing the dressing, apply hydrogel again and use a new occlusive dressing when re-bandaging the abrasion. When you use a moist dressing, the turf burn will heal within a week. When you notice that the abrasion has a new pink skin layer, it means that you can remove the dressing.^[3]

It is important to ensure that you do not re-injure the area of turf burn. Avoid playing sports until you have recovered completely from turf burn. Wear protective clothing that covers the bandage site. Turf burn injury usually occurs on joints like elbow, knee, ankle, and wrist; as well as on forearms, palm, chest and chin. Wearing well protected clothes like long sleeved clothing can help reduce the severity of turn burn injury. Tending to the injury immediately will avoid the onset of a major infection.^[4]

If you are an athlete, you run the risk of getting an infection from a turf burn. Therefore, it is imperative to exercise caution at all times. To prevent an outbreak, cover your wounds. Also, it is imperative to shave your body regularly. For a swimmer, ensure that the public pool you use is disinfected. Ask the authorities concerned to install antibacterial soap dispensers in locker and shower rooms. At home, ensure you wash towels in hot water as a preventive measure.

When you take precautions, you will not have to worry about turf burns turning into an infection. If the abrasion requires medical attention, do not delay in seeing a doctor.^[5]

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