What is the term for an injury to the skin's surface caused by scratching or abrasion?

The correct term for an injury to the skin's surface caused by scratching or abrasion is excoriation. This term refers specifically to a superficial wound that results in the removal of the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of skin. When skin is scratched or experiences friction, it can lead to this type of injury, often appearing as red, inflamed areas, and can sometimes be accompanied by bleeding if the abrasion is deep enough.

In contrast, a contusion is a bruise resulting from a blow or impact, causing blood vessels to rupture beneath the skin without breaking the skin's surface. An incision refers to a clean, surgical cut made with a sharp instrument, and it is typically deeper and more controlled than an excoriation. An ulcer, on the other hand, is a deeper loss of skin structure, often due to factors such as infection, pressure, or insufficient blood supply, and usually appears as an open sore. Understanding these distinctions helps in accurately identifying and treating various skin injuries.