Definition

• Cuts and Scratches: Superficial cuts (scratches) only extend partially through the skin and rarely become infected. Deep cuts (lacerations) go through the skin (dermis).
• Abrasions or Scrapes: An area of superficial skin that has been scraped off. Commonly occurs on the knees, elbows and palms.
• Bruises: Bruises (contusions) result from a direct blow or a crushing injury; there is bleeding into the skin from damaged blood vessels without an overlying cut or abrasion.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Animal caused it, see ANIMAL BITE
• It looks infected, see WOUND INFECTION
• Skin is punctured (not cut or scraped), see PUNCTURE WOUND
• BURNS
• SPLINTER OR SLIVER is present in the skin