What are scratches and punctures of the surface of the epidermis called?

Scratches and punctures that affect only the surface of the epidermis are known as excoriations. This term refers specifically to injuries that result from the abrasion or scraping of the skin, typically causing damage to the outer layer without penetrating deeper tissues. Excoriations can occur from scratching an itch, a friction injury, or other similar trauma.

Understanding this concept is essential for estheticians, as recognizing different skin injuries helps inform appropriate treatment and care strategies for clients. Other terms like fissures, ulcers, and lesions represent different types of skin damage, with specific characteristics that do not pertain to surface scratches or punctures. Fissures typically describe deep cracks or splits in the skin, ulcers refer to more severe open sores, and lesions is a broad term for any abnormal area of skin that could encompass various conditions, not limited to surface scratches.