Broken skin refers to any disruption in the skin's integrity, resulting in a break or opening. This can range from minor abrasions to deep lacerations. Several terms describe different types of broken skin:
Types of Broken Skin
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Cuts (Lacerations): A cut, also known as a laceration, is a break or opening in the skin. These can vary in depth and appearance, from superficial scratches to deep wounds affecting underlying tissues like tendons, muscles, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, or even bone. [Source: A cut is a break or opening in the skin. It is also called a laceration. A cut may be deep, smooth, or jagged. It may be near the surface of the skin, or deeper. A deep cut can affect tendons, muscles, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, or bone.02-Nov-2023]
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Abrasions: An abrasion involves damage to the surface layers of the skin (epidermis). Thin-skinned areas like knees, ankles, and elbows are more susceptible. [Source: An abrasion means that the surface layers of the skin (epidermis) has been broken. Thin-skinned bony areas (like knees, ankles and elbows) are more prone to...]
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Fractures (with broken skin): While a fracture is a broken bone, if the broken bone punctures the skin, it's considered an open fracture or compound fracture, resulting in broken skin. [Source: If the broken bone punctures the skin, it...]
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Wounds: A wound is a general term encompassing any break or opening in the skin, including cuts, abrasions, and other injuries. [Source: A wound is a break or opening in the skin. Your skin protects your body from germs. When the skin is broken, even during surgery,...]
Conditions Affecting Skin Integrity
It is important to note that broken skin is not just caused by trauma. Certain conditions can lead to compromised skin integrity:
- Dry Skin (Xeroderma/Xerosis): Extreme dryness can cause the skin to crack and become prone to breaking. [Source: Dry skin, also known as xerosis or xeroderma, has many causes, including cold or dry...]
- Seborrheic dermatitis: This condition can cause dry, flaky skin, particularly on the scalp (dandruff in adults, cradle cap in infants). [Source: Seborrheic dermatitis: Dry skin on your scalp can be the result of a condition known as dandruff in adults or cradle cap in infants. Seborrheic dermatitis can...]
- Radiation Therapy Side Effects: Radiation therapy can cause the skin to become dry, peel, and itch, potentially leading to broken skin. [Source: Sometimes radiation therapy can cause the skin on the part of your body receiving radiation to become dry and peel, itch (called pruritus), and...]
