2.5 Excoriation

None.

Traumatic tissue defect reaching deep into papillary dermis, usually with sharp borders.

Color: red.

Size: mm to cm.

Depending on etiology, usually localized or solitary, often linear.

May develop with crusts or necrosis.

Heals with scarring.

Associated with papules, nodules, erosions and superinfection.

Excoriations are caused by scratching due to severe itching . Excoriations may provide access for pyogenic micro-organisms and the formation of crusts, pustules or cellulitis.

Artefacts.

Prurigo simplex, prurigo nodularis, artefact dermatitis, dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.

Tissue removed by trauma, usually scratching.