Abrasion (medicine)

Abrasion (medicine)

An abrasion is a wound caused by superficial damage to the skin, no deeper than the epidermis. It is less severe than a laceration, and bleeding, if present, is minimal. Mild abrasions, also known as grazes or scrapes, do not scar or bleed, but deep abrasions may lead to the formation of scar tissue. A more severe abrasion that removes all layers of skin is called an avulsion.

Abrasion injuries most commonly occur when exposed skin comes into contact with a rough surface, causing friction. The skin's topmost layer is removed, resulting in an abrasion. Abrasions can also occur from the skin sliding across a hard surface.

Types of Abrasions

There are three types of abrasions:

• Superficial abrasion - The top layer of skin is removed, causing minimal pain and bleeding.
• Deep abrasion - The skin is deeply scraped, causing more pain and bleeding.
• Avulsion - All layers of the skin are removed, resulting in a severe wound.

Causes

Abrasion injuries are commonly caused by falls on a hard surface, where the skin scrapes against the ground. Other causes include car accidents, sports injuries, and fights. Abrasions can also occur in occupations that involve manual labor.

Treatment

Treatment for abrasions involves cleaning the wound with mild soap and warm water, applying an antibiotic ointment, and covering with a sterile bandage. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. It is important to keep the wound clean and dry to prevent infection.

See Also

• Laceration
• Wound
• Scar
• Infection

References

Abrasion (medicine) Resources
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