Abrasion

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.

Abrasion injuries most commonly occur when exposed skin comes into moving contact with a rough surface, causing a grinding or rubbing away of the upper layers of the epidermis.

Abrasions can be categorized like burns:

• A first-degree abrasion involves only epidermal injury.
• A second-degree abrasion involves the epidermis as well as the dermis and may bleed slightly.
• A third-degree abrasion involves damage to the subcutaneous layer and the skin and is often called an avulsion.

Laceration

A laceration is a wound that is produced by the tearing of soft body tissue. This type of wound is often irregular and jagged. A laceration wound is often contaminated with bacteria and debris from whatever object caused the cut.

Most lacerations will heal on their own. Sutures are sometimes inserted by the ER to reduce the possibility of scarring. The amount of bleeding depends upon the number and size blood vessels that were damaged

Penetration/Puncture

A puncture wound is usually caused by a sharp pointy object such as a nail, animal teeth, or a tack. This type of wound usually does not bleed excessively and can appear to close up. Puncture wounds are also prone to infection and should be treated appropriately.