What is a scrape in medical terms? In medical terms a scrape is called an abrasion. An abrasion is a superficial injury where the top layers of skin, the epidermis and sometimes part of the dermis, are rubbed or scraped away by friction against a rough surface like pavement, carpet, or concrete. It is a type of open wound but usually shallow, not deep like a laceration or puncture. Small blood vessels may ooze, and nerve endings are exposed, which is why abrasions often sting or burn more than they bleed heavily. Medically, abrasions are classified by depth: first-degree involving only epidermis, second-degree involving epidermis and superficial dermis, and third-degree or avulsion involving deeper layers. Most minor abrasions heal by re-epithelialization from wound edges and hair follicles over days to couple weeks without scarring unless infected or deep. Care involves cleaning, removing debris, applying plain petroleum jelly, and covering with clean dressing. Seek care if large, deeply embedded debris, signs of infection, or not up to date on tetanus vaccination.
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