What is the medical term for scrapes on the skin?

The medical term for scrapes on the skin is "abrasion." This term specifically refers to the process of scraping or wearing away of the surface layer of the skin, typically resulting from friction against a rough surface. Abrasions often appear as red, raw areas and can be quite painful, but they usually heal well without the need for medical intervention, as long as they are kept clean and protected.

In contrast, an incision describes a clean, surgical cut made with a sharp instrument, which differs significantly from the superficial nature of an abrasion. A puncture refers to a wound caused by a pointed object penetrating the skin, which is a different type of injury with its own considerations regarding depth and potential infection. Laceration involves a tear or a jagged cut to the skin that may require stitches or closure, thus also differing from the straightforward scraped nature of an abrasion. Understanding these terms is crucial when assessing types of skin injuries in a sports medicine context.