Abrasions

Abrasions are superficial injuries to the skin that occur when the outer layer, known as the epidermis, is scraped or rubbed off. These injuries are commonly caused by friction or trauma, such as falling on a rough surface, sliding on pavement, or coming into contact with abrasive materials. Abrasions are often referred to as scrapes or grazes and can vary in severity from mild to moderate.In mild cases, abrasions may only involve minor damage to the top layer of the skin, resulting in redness, slight bleeding, and discomfort. In more severe cases, deeper layers of the skin may be affected, leading to increased pain, swelling, and a higher risk of infection.Proper care of abrasions is important to promote healing and prevent complications. This typically involves cleaning the wound with mild soap and water, applying an antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection, and covering the area with a sterile bandage or dressing. It is also important to keep the wound clean and dry, changing the dressing regularly, and monitoring for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, or pus.While most abrasions heal without complications, severe or improperly treated abrasions may lead to scarring or infection. If an abrasion does not improve with basic care or shows signs of infection, it is advisable to seek medical attention.