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Skin Glossary · Appearance of the skin

Abrasion

Related terms · scratch wound · scratch mark

In dermatology, an excoriation refers to a linear wound caused by scratching due to itching. It serves as a clue to distinguish between the original lesion and changes caused by scratching.

Reviewed by Korean Medicine Doctor Choi Yeon-seung · Last updated 2026-08-25
01

What does 'excoriation' mean?

It refers to marks where the skin surface has been peeled away by scratching or rubbing. In dermatology, excoriation refers to line-shaped wounds caused by scratching due to itching. It serves as a clue to distinguish between the original lesion and changes caused by scratching.

02

How is it different from similar conditions?

It may be a secondary change caused by scratching, rather than the original lesion of the disease.

03

Why is this important in skin care?

It indicates the actual burden of nocturnal itching, chronic pruritus, and atopic dermatitis.

04

What should be checked based on my symptoms?

Treatment should not end with simply advising not to scratch; the itching itself and the resulting sleep disturbance must be treated together.

Related conditions and medical guidance

Check guides where this term is used

Condition GuidanceChronic PruritusChronic pruritus is a condition where itching lasts for 6 weeks or longer; instead of the initial rash, you may only see lines, scabs, or color changes caused by scratching. Since causes can include skin issues like dryness, eczema, or scabies, as well as new medications, neurological problems, or diseases of the liver, kidneys, thyroid, diabetes, and blood, we first organize the systemic distribution, medical history, and necessary tests. For itching that persists even after the cause is masked, we perform a pattern identification (Byeonjeung) focusing on body heat, dryness, sleep, digestion, and fatigue.Condition GuidanceAtopic DermatitisAtopic dermatitis is not confirmed by a single blood test or allergy test. In dermatology, the process centers on observing the appearance and distribution of dryness, itching, and rashes, as well as inquiring about the onset, the course of improvement and worsening, sleep disturbance, response to previous treatments, and exposure to irritants such as soap, detergents, scented products, and smoke. Medical history of atopic dermatitis, asthma, or hay fever for yourself and your family is also reviewed. In many cases, a physical skin examination and medical history are sufficient; blood tests or skin biopsies are selected when other causes of rashes must be ruled out. Symptoms, distribution, and progression are interpreted together rather than relying on a single test result.Condition GuidanceNeurodermatitisRepresentative symptoms of neurodermatitis include intense itching recurring in one or two spots and thickened, rough skin caused by continuously scratching or rubbing those areas. It is common on the back of the neck, scalp, arms, legs, ankles, and groin, where skin lines may become prominent and the color may differ from the surrounding area. The itching fluctuates but worsens during rest or before falling asleep, which can wake you up at night. Repeated scratching creates abrasions and hemorrhagic wounds; if oozing, pus, pain, or heat occurs, infection should be suspected.Medical Evaluation GuideThings to check when itching prevents sleep at nightFirst, check if the swollen areas generally fade within a day, or if rough and cracked skin remains for several days. If the wheals have subsided but you continue to wake up, record both the changes in the wheals and the number of times you woke up. If rough skin and scratch marks remain, the cycle of dermatitis and the itch-scratch cycle must be examined together. Even if there are few skin changes, please seek medical evaluation if generalized itching is accompanied by jaundice, weight changes, or fever.

Comparison of similar terms

Terms to know for easier distinction

Evidence and Update Information

The definitions and safety standards in the materials below were referenced.

  1. NCBI Clinical Methods: Principles of Skin Lesion ObservationClinical terms describing the shape, arrangement, and distribution of lesions have been verified.
Summary and review information for this page

Reviewing Medical Staff

Choi Yeon-seung, Doctor of Korean MedicineChief Director · Editor of Korean Medicine Atlas · BRC Researcher

Page Summary

In dermatology, an excoriation refers to a linear wound caused by scratching due to itching. It serves as a clue to distinguish between the original lesion and changes caused by scratching.

What this page covers

What is explained
In the statement 'In dermatology, excoriation refers to line-shaped wounds caused by scratching due to itching. It serves as a clue to distinguish between the original lesion and changes caused by scratching,' what should be checked first?
What situations are covered
In dermatology, excoriation refers to line-shaped wounds caused by scratching due to itching.
What distinctions are made
Difference from similar terms: It may be a secondary change caused by scratching, rather than the original lesion of the disease.
How should this be understood
It serves as a clue to distinguish between the original lesion and changes caused by scratching.

Key Points

  • Meaning of excoriation: Marks where the skin surface has been peeled away by scratching or rubbing.
  • Difference from similar terms: It may be a secondary change caused by scratching, rather than the original lesion of the disease.
  • Reason for checking during evaluation: It indicates the actual burden of nocturnal itching, chronic pruritus, and atopic dermatitis.

References cited on this page

Skin Terminology Glossary

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