excoriation

Introduction

In dermatology:

• a linear erosion
• macroscopic term referring to a traumatic lesion characterized by breakage of the epidermis, causing a raw linear area, i.e. a deep scratch usually covered with blood or serous crusts

Etiology

• such lesions are often self-induced, either from
  • pruritus (most common)
  • psychogenic

More general terms

• skin lesion

Additional terms

• erosion