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Cyclist. Accidental burn from motorbike exhaust.

27 replies

AnneKipankitoo · 12/08/2026 20:56

It’s not for me. My husband is in France cycling. He accidentally stepped back into a motorbike exhaust and burned the back of his leg.
It was covered with cold water, then iced water, and ointment provided by the motorbikers.
He wants to continue cycling. Any suggestions for dressings etc so he can continue.?
Does anyone know any French?

OP posts:
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6
thesandwich · 12/08/2026 21:01

Use Google Translate on his phone.

AnneKipankitoo · 12/08/2026 21:02

Thanks

OP posts:
Littletreefrog · 12/08/2026 21:03

If he goes to a pharmacy and shows them they will be able to sell him something suitable.

AnneKipankitoo · 12/08/2026 21:07

Mumsnet is an amazing resource though.

OP posts:
Tomikka · 12/08/2026 21:11

It’s going to depend on the severity, even the most basic is going to be painful

(I burned the back of my thumb with just monetary touch on a motorcycle exhaust as a back passenger when the rider fell at slow speed, I didn’t do anything until at least an hour later running water over it, then had the pain ongoing for a few days and the mark died down but was still visible for years)

The second link below is focused on exhaust burns, a basic first degree burn will be painful a second degree burn needs proper looking at
He may be OK with keeping an eye on it, keeping it clean and taking painkillers - but someone needs to look at it
Any blisters need attention

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/burns-and-scalds/

https://www.fixyourdirtbike.com/first-aid/external-first-aid/exhaust-burn-treatment/

nhs.uk

Burns and scalds

Find out more about burns and scalds, including how to treat them and when to get help.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/burns-and-scalds

Thedogswhiskers · 12/08/2026 21:12

A silicone dressing is nonstick and good for burns as can be left in place and the outer dressing replaced when needed. Hopefully a pharmacy should have them

AnneKipankitoo · 12/08/2026 21:29

He sent a photo. It looks superficial. However you know what cyclists are like…he wants to do mountain passes.

OP posts:
catownerofthenorth · 12/08/2026 21:41

How big is it? A friend did this and needed a skin graft. It was quite big and he totally neglected it.

ChocHotolate · 12/08/2026 21:42

Motorcycle exhaust burns can be surprisingly nasty, he needs to be very careful to avoid infection.
As a PP mentioned, silicone dressings are usually good for burns.
Is he up to date with tetanus booster?

AnneKipankitoo · 12/08/2026 22:06

No he is not up to date with tetanus.

OP posts:
sanityisamyth · 12/08/2026 22:08

Never put ointment on a burn. Cold running water for at least 20 mins.

AnneKipankitoo · 12/08/2026 22:09

I will post a photo. He said he was aware of it instantly.

Sensitive content
Cyclist. Accidental burn from motorbike exhaust.
OP posts:
AnneKipankitoo · 12/08/2026 22:10

sanityisamyth · 12/08/2026 22:08

Never put ointment on a burn. Cold running water for at least 20 mins.

He was on a mountain pass

OP posts:
parietal · 12/08/2026 22:10

Ibuprofen for the pain. Keep it covered and clean.

AnneKipankitoo · 12/08/2026 22:24

He does have ibuprofen with him.

OP posts:
AllIneedAreMyFamilyandDogs · 12/08/2026 23:47

I'd get medical attention for that. It looks superficial but it could go quite deep. I predict he'll get blistering.

cityliving99 · 12/08/2026 23:57

Tell him to go to a pharmacy and show the burn to the pharmacist. They will sort him out with medicated dressings etc.

ThisFunBlueBee · 12/08/2026 23:59

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ThisFunBlueBee · 13/08/2026 00:00

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AnneKipankitoo · 13/08/2026 08:08

Thank you all.
He is going to a pharmacy.
His friend had 2 sticking plasters in his house as his first aid kit.

OP posts:
MenArePigs · 13/08/2026 08:14

That looks awfully sore OP

NoraLuka · 13/08/2026 08:19

That’s quite big and looks like it’s on the knee so it might not get a chance to heal if he’s cycling. Pharmacies in France are usually quite good, if he shows them they’ll tell him if he needs a doctor. Plus if he’s somewhere even remotely touristy they’ll probably speak some English.

AnneKipankitoo · 13/08/2026 08:24

It is the back of his calf @NoraLuka . He is going to go to a pharmacy.
He is not in a big touristy place. However they are going to drive to a bigger town.

OP posts:
IzzyGone · 13/08/2026 08:24

Ouch, the back of his calf is going to be sore

as others have said, use google translate and go to a pharmacy- the pharmacist are usually very good with their advice.

he will then be directed to treatment or hospital etc by them