What term describes a skin sore or abrasion produced by scratching or scraping?

What term describes a skin sore or abrasion produced by scratching or scraping?

• A. Excoriation
• B. Fissure
• C. Cyst
• D. Dermatitis

Answer: (A)

The term that describes a skin sore or abrasion produced by scratching or scraping is "excoriation." This condition typically results from trauma to the skin, where the surface is removed or damaged due to mechanical actions like scratching. Excoriations can appear as red, raw patches and may sometimes lead to secondary infections if not managed properly, as the protective barrier of the skin is compromised. The other terms refer to different skin issues. A "fissure" is a narrow opening or crack in the skin, often seen in conditions like dry skin or dermatitis, but it does not specifically imply that it results from scratching. A "cyst" is a closed sac within the skin that typically contains fluid or semi-solid material, and it is not associated with abrasion. "Dermatitis" refers to inflammation of the skin, which could cause itching and scratching but is not itself a sore or abrasion, nor does it involve the mechanical action that leads to excoriation. Therefore, "excoriation" directly relates to the act of scratching and the resulting injury, making it the correct term.

The term that describes a skin sore or abrasion produced by scratching or scraping is "excoriation." This condition typically results from trauma to the skin, where the surface is removed or damaged due to mechanical actions like scratching. Excoriations can appear as red, raw patches and may sometimes lead to secondary infections if not managed properly, as the protective barrier of the skin is compromised.

The other terms refer to different skin issues. A "fissure" is a narrow opening or crack in the skin, often seen in conditions like dry skin or dermatitis, but it does not specifically imply that it results from scratching. A "cyst" is a closed sac within the skin that typically contains fluid or semi-solid material, and it is not associated with abrasion. "Dermatitis" refers to inflammation of the skin, which could cause itching and scratching but is not itself a sore or abrasion, nor does it involve the mechanical action that leads to excoriation. Therefore, "excoriation" directly relates to the act of scratching and the resulting injury, making it the correct term.