An excoriation is a linear erosion caused by scratching, while an abrasion is a broader area of erosion resulting from the skin being rubbed or scraped away.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Excoriation
- Definition: A skin lesion caused by scratching or picking at the skin. The resulting mark is typically a linear (line-shaped) erosion of the skin.
- Cause: Usually results from an itch, irritation, or psychological condition that causes repetitive scratching.
- Appearance: Often presents as a scratch mark, which can be shallow or deep depending on the force and duration of the scratching.
- Example: Scratching at an insect bite until the skin breaks.
Abrasion
- Definition: A superficial injury caused by scraping or rubbing the skin against a rough surface. It involves damage to the epidermis (outer layer of skin) and potentially the dermis (inner layer).
- Cause: Typically caused by friction against a rough surface.
- Appearance: Characterized by raw, superficial skin damage. It can range from minor redness to a deeper injury with broken skin. Abrasions usually don't bleed much but may ooze serum.
- Example: "Road rash" from falling off a bicycle.
Key Differences Summarized:
| Feature | Excoriation | Abrasion |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Scratching or picking | Scraping or rubbing against a rough surface |
| Shape/Pattern | Linear (line-shaped) | Irregular, broader area |
| Mechanism | Self-inflicted by nails or other object | External friction |
| Depth | Variable, depends on scratching intensity | Usually superficial, can be deeper |
In simpler terms: imagine you're itchy and scratch yourself – that's likely an excoriation. Now imagine you fall on the pavement and scrape your knee – that's an abrasion.
