| Abrasion (medical) | |
|---|---|
| Classification and external resources | |
| ICD-10 | T14.0 |
| ICD-9 | 919.0 |
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.
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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.[1] Dressing the wound is optional[1] but helps to keep the wound from drying out which interferes with healing.[2] 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.[1] 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.
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