Excoriation
Pronunciation: ex-kor-ee-AY-shun
A superficial skin abrasion or scratch mark, typically self-inflicted, that removes the epidermis and may extend into the superficial dermis.
Full Definition
Excoriation is a secondary skin lesion resulting from scratching, rubbing, or picking, leading to linear or angular erosions of the epidermis. It may result from pruritic conditions (e.g., atopic dermatitis, scabies) or, in a psychiatric context, from compulsive skin-picking disorder (excoriation disorder, DSM-5). In dermatological editing, the term must be used precisely: it denotes a specific secondary lesion type, not simply any scratch wound. Editors should distinguish excoriation from erosion (loss of epidermis without trauma) and ulceration (deeper tissue loss). The term also appears in ICD-11 under both dermatological and mental health classifications.
Usage
Usage note: In psychiatric dermatology texts, 'excoriation disorder' has a specific DSM-5/ICD-11 meaning; do not use 'excoriation disorder' loosely to mean any skin-picking behavior.
In Context
- "Widespread excoriations on the scalp and arms suggested chronic prurigo secondary to renal disease." — Clinical dermatology report
- "The author's use of 'erosion' was corrected to 'excoriation' as the lesions were clearly trauma-induced scratch marks." — Peer-review correction