Abrasion (medical)

Abrasion (medical)
Classification and external resources
Specialty	emergency medicine
ICD-10	T14.0
ICD-9-CM	919.0
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In dermatology, 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 traumatic abrasion that removes all layers of skin is called an avulsion.

Abrasion injuries most commonly occur when exposed skin comes into moving contact with a rough surface, causing a grinding or rubbing away of the upper layers of the epidermis.

The abrasion should be cleaned and any debris removed. A topical antibiotic (such as Neosporin or bacitracin) should be applied to prevent infection and to keep the wound moist. Dressing the wound is beneficial because it helps keep the wound from drying out, providing a moist environment conducive for healing. If the abrasion is painful, a topical analgesic (such as lidocaine or benzocaine) can be applied, but for large abrasions. a systemic analgesic may be necessary. Avoid exposing abraded skin to the sun as permanent hyperpigmentation can develop.

The gallery below shows the healing process for an abrasion on the palm caused by sliding on concrete.

32 minutes after injury

17 hours after injury

1 day 19 hours after injury

3 days after injury

13 days after injury

14 days after injury

17 days after injury

18 days after injury

22 days after injury

30 days after injury

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