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 a wound consisting of 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, also known as grazes or scrapes, do not scar or bleed, but deep abrasions may lead to the development of scarring tissue.

A more serious abrasion injury that removes all of the layers of skin is more commonly called an avulsion injury.

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.

[edit] Types of abrasions

Such injuries, where caused by abrasive contact with textiles or carpet, are sometimes referred to as 'rug burn' or 'carpet burn'. In vehicle accidents where the skin contacts the road surface, it is known as 'road rash'. Slipping on ropes or other surfaces is known as 'rope burn' or 'friction burn'.

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