What is a partial-thickness wound resulting from scraping away the skin called?

A partial-thickness wound resulting from scraping away the skin is referred to as an abrasion. This type of wound involves the removal of the outer layers of skin, known as the epidermis, and can affect the underlying dermis to some extent. Abrasions are commonly seen in everyday situations, such as falls or accidents involving friction against a rough surface.

The distinctive characteristic of an abrasion is that it typically presents as a red, raw area that may bleed slightly and is often painful due to the exposure of nerve endings in the skin. This contrasts with other types of wounds, like lacerations, which involve deeper cuts through more layers of skin, or contusions, which are bruises resulting from blunt force trauma without breaking the skin. A scratch, while similar to an abrasion, is a less formal term that does not specifically convey the extent of skin removal that an abrasion does. Hence, referring to this type of skin injury as an abrasion accurately captures the nature and characteristics of the wound.