Jump to content

Abrasion (medicine)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Katalaveno (talk | contribs) at 03:29, 24 January 2007 (Reverted 1 edit by 4.238.215.80 (talk) to last revision (102827719) by Antandrus using VP). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Abrasion on the palm of a right hand, shortly after falling
Abrasions on elbow and lower arm. The elbow wound will produce a permanent scar.

In dermatology, an abrasion is superficial damage to the skin, generally not deeper than the epidermis. It is more superficial than an excoriation, although it can give mild bleeding. Mild abrasions do not scar, but deep abrasions may lead to the development of scarring tissue.

Most commonly, abrasion injuries occur when exposed skin comes into moving contact with a rough surface causing trauma to the upper layers of the epidermis.

Such injuries, where caused by abrasive contact with textiles or carpet, are sometimes referred to as 'rug burn' or 'carpet burn'.

See also