What is an abrasion?
A person with an abrasion has a scratch or scrape to the skin. A superficial abrasion removes the surface of the skin. A deep abrasion may remove all the skin layers. When layers of skin are removed, the skin is no longer a natural barrier to bacterial infection.

What are the symptoms of an abrasion?
Abrasions cause minor bleeding, localized pain, and skin tenderness.

How does the doctor treat an abrasion?
Most skin abrasions can be safely treated at home with wound cleansing and the application of an antibiotic ointment.