Abrasion facts for kids

An abrasion on the palm of a hand, right after a fall.

Abrasions on an elbow and lower arm. The elbow wound might leave a permanent scar.

An abrasion is a common type of skin injury. It happens when the top layer of your skin gets scraped off. Think of it like a "graze" or a "scrape."

These injuries usually affect only the very surface of your skin. This top layer is called the epidermis. Even though they are shallow, abrasions can sometimes bleed a little.

Most mild abrasions heal quickly and don't leave a mark. However, if an abrasion is deep, it might cause a scar. A scar is new skin that forms to repair the injury.

What is an Abrasion?

An abrasion is a type of wound that only damages the outer layer of your skin. This outer layer is known as the epidermis. It's like when you scrape your knee on the playground.

How Abrasions Happen

Abrasions usually happen when your skin rubs against a rough surface. This can be a sidewalk, a wall, or even a carpet. The rubbing motion scrapes away the top skin cells.

Common Causes of Abrasions

• Falling: If you fall and slide on a rough surface, like concrete, you can get an abrasion.
• Sports: Many sports involve falls or slides, leading to scrapes.
• Accidents: Any time your skin rubs hard against something, an abrasion can occur.

Types of Abrasions

Abrasions can be mild or more serious.

• Mild Abrasions: These are often called "grazes." They only affect the very top of your skin. They might bleed a little but usually heal without leaving a scar.
• Deep Abrasions: These go a bit deeper into the skin. They can bleed more and might take longer to heal. Deep abrasions have a higher chance of leaving a permanent scar.

Rug Burns and Carpet Burns

Sometimes, abrasions are caused by rubbing against fabric. If your skin scrapes against a carpet or a rug, it can cause a "rug burn" or "carpet burn." These are just common names for a type of abrasion. They can be quite painful because of the friction and heat.

Healing Abrasions

Most abrasions heal on their own. It's important to keep the area clean to prevent infection.

• Clean the wound: Gently wash the abrasion with mild soap and water.
• Protect it: You can cover it with a clean bandage to keep dirt out.
• Let it heal: Your body will naturally grow new skin cells to repair the scraped area.

See also

In Spanish: Abrasión para niños