An abrasion is defined as what?

• A. A bruise caused by impact
• B. A laceration to underlying tissue
• C. A burn injury
• D. An injury in which the superficial, or top, layer of skin has been removed due to motion against a rough surface

Answer: (D)

Abrasions are injuries where the outermost layer of skin is scraped away by friction from rubbing or sliding against a rough surface. The essential point is superficial skin loss, typically involving the epidermis and sometimes the top dermal layer, rather than deeper tissue damage. This distinguishes them from bruises, which are internal bleeding under unbroken skin; from lacerations, which are cuts that split deeper tissues; and from burns, which are tissue damage caused by heat, chemicals, or electricity. Clinically, you’ll often see a raw, red area that may bleed a bit, and treatment focuses on cleaning, removing debris, and protecting the wound to prevent infection.