Motorcycle riding is a favorite past time of adults across the United States. Obtaining a motorcycle license often requires some form of basic training but often this training does not include information about safety and injury treatment that results from motorcycle riding. If you own a motorcycle, or if you are planning to ride a motorcycle, it is important to become familiar with the burn injuries that may arise and to understand how to effectively treat the burn injuries so that you can return to motorcycle riding as soon as possible.
Second degree burns are quite common among motorcycle riders. In many cases, the injury occurs within the first couple of months after obtaining a license to ride. For more experienced motorcycle riders, second degree burns are not quite as common as the risks and ways in which to prevent such injury often becomes second nature.
If you sustain a second degree burn from riding a motorcycle, the injury most likely occurs from placing your legs too close to the muffler or other hot parts along the body of the motorcycle. To prevent this type of injury from occurring, you will want to wear protective clothing while riding a motorcycle. Wearing pants or other motorcycle-styled clothing, you can prevent most types of burns and discomfort that arise from riding a bike. Even with protective clothing, however, there is still a risk for suffering from a burn.
Second degree burns, resulting from motorcycle riding, can be treated using a variety of over-the-counter burn creams but in the case of second degree burn, it is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible. While most second degree burns heal on their own without much medical intervention, there are some that may result in infection – even requiring more expanded treatment to ensure the infection and skin grafting is not required at some point in the future. Even when the burn seems rather minor, a medical professional can provide prescriptions pain relievers which can alleviate the pain associated with the burn.
Motorcycle riding is a relatively simple recreational activity. While most motorcycle injuries arise out of careless riding, there are some individuals who sustain injury from failure to wear proper protective gear and failing to keep legs and arms away from the hot parts of the motorcycle. If you sustain a burn when riding a motorcycle, be sure to consult with a medical professional to determine if medications for infection prevention are needed and then use over-the-counter burn treatment products diligently.Sources: Journal of Sports Medicine, 2005: 6:89-94.
