INTRODUCTION

The five types of wounds are abrasion, avulsion, incision, laceration, and puncture. An abrasion is a
wound caused by friction when a body scrapes across a rough surface. An avulsion is characterized by a
flap. An incision is a cut with clean edges. A laceration is a cut with jagged edges. A puncture is a wound
where something passes through or becomes impaled in the skin.

An abrasion is a partial thickness wound caused by damage to the skin and can be superficial involving
only the epidermis to deep, involving the deep dermis. Abrasions usually involve minimal bleeding. Mild
abrasions, also known as grazes or scrapes, do not scar or bleed because the dermis is left intact, but
deep abrasions that disrupt the normal dermal structures may lead to the formation of scar tissue. A
more traumatic abrasion that removes all layers of skin is called an avulsion.

Abrasions are classified into three degrees: the first one is called as the first-degree abrasion, wherein
the only involved is the epidermal injury. While the second-degree abrasion involves the epidermis and
a slight part of dermis, and there is slight bleeding. The third-degree abrasion involves damage in the
subcutaneous layer of the skin and is often called as “avulsion”.

Abrasions can range from mild to severe. Most abrasions are mild and can easily be tended to at home.
Some abrasions, however, may require medical treatment.

First-degree abrasion

A first-degree abrasion involves superficial damage to the epidermis. The epidermis is the first, or most
superficial, layer of skin. A first-degree abrasion is considered mild. It won’t bleed.

First-degree abrasions are sometimes called scrapes or grazes.

Second-degree abrasion

A second-degree abrasion results in damage to the epidermis as well as the dermis. The dermis is the
second layer of skin, just below the epidermis. A second-degree abrasion may bleed mildly.

Third-degree abrasion

A third-degree abrasion is a severe abrasion. It’s also known as an avulsion wound. It involves friction
and tearing of the skin to the layer of tissue deeper than the dermis. An avulsion may bleed heavily and
require more intense medical care.

Difference Between Abrasions And Cuts

Cuts and abrasions are both types of skin injuries. They differ mainly in the way they are caused. Cuts
are typically caused when a sharp-edged object such as a blade or knife cuts or slices across the surface
of the skin causing it to split open and bleed. Cuts can also be caused by accidents and sports injuries.

Abrasions on the other hand are caused by friction of the skin against a rough or scratchy surface and
they do not necessarily bleed.
Do All Abrasions Heal Naturally?

Most abrasions, especially first and second degree abrasions, heal fully within about 7 to 10 days. If the
injured area or the area surrounding it continues to remain swollen, red and warm to the touch or if
there is some type of discharge, it may indicate that an infection has set in. If there is an infection, your
doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and heal the injury.

In addition to the severity of your injury, your age, diet and overall health also play key roles in
determining the rate at which your abrasion injury heals. The immune system and skin need proper
nutrition to stay healthy.

Treatment for Abrasion vs. Laceration

Abrasions are the milder form of injury between the two types, typically scraping away portions of the
surface, but not often do they get very deep. Lacerations can puncture through several layers of fat and
muscle.

In an abrasion, healing usually takes place over a few days. These wounds should be cleaned carefully
but thoroughly, and in some cases antibiotics may be needed to stave off infection.

A laceration, however, will likely take longer to heal. Stitches or skin adhesive may be needed, and
antibiotics may be required to stave off infection. Patients will have to refrain from strenuous activity
while their wound heals, including exercise, sports or any other high-impact activity. You’ll want to avoid
excessive moisture, so you’ll need to avoid swimming or immersing your wound in water for long
periods of time, such as to do dishes or go swimming.

If you’re experiencing pain and swelling due to a laceration, try keeping the affected area elevated, and
ice it to decrease symptoms. Use the ice for 20 minutes per day, up to four times per day. It’s important
not to apply the ice directly to the wound, but instead apply it through a resealable bag or washcloth.

If your wound should not improve and show symptoms of worsening, such as:

-Redness or swelling
-Red streaks around the wound
-Wound smells or has drainage
-A fever higher than 100.4 degrees or chills
-Seek medical attention right away to be treated by a healthcare provider.