Severe scrapes (avulsion injuries )

Content provided by Healthwise

Severe scrapes (avulsion injuries )

A scrape that removes all of the layers of skin is called an avulsion injury. Fat, muscle, or bone may be seen in a full-thickness avulsion injury.

Avulsion injuries heal by first forming new skin on the edges of the wound and then healing from the edges into the middle. The larger the wound, the longer it takes to heal and the greater the risk of infection.

Scraping off all the skin on the tip of a finger or a toe are common avulsion injuries. If you are able to recover the piece of skin that was scraped off, take it with you when you see your health professional. It will probably not be reattached, but it will give more information about your injury.

Avulsion injuries are usually treated in one of the following ways:

Allowing the wound to heal on its own, growing new skin from the edges into the middle
Stitching the edges of the wound together, if the wound is small
Reattaching the avulsed skin
Grafting skin over the wound

Credits

Print Email SHARE

Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Updated	June 10, 2008

Print Email Twitter Facebook MySpace AIM More

Last updated:	June 10, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.