Abrasion is a superficial rubbing off of the uppermost layers of the skin, usually caused by a scrape or a brush burn. Abrasions are usually minor injuries that can be treated at home. The skin may bleed or drain small amounts of pus at the time of the injury. A physician should be contacted if the abrasion is located close to the eye or on the face, if there is embedded dirt, stones, or gravel, if there are signs of infection (increased warmth, redness, swelling, or drainage), or if the abrasion covers a large area of the body (such as the chest or back or an entire limb).

Skin Abrasion Treatment
The abraded area should be washed well with soap and water (but not scrubbed). Any dirt should be removed by running water over the area for several minutes. A dirty abrasion that is not well cleaned can cause scarring.

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Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder affecting more than 4 million individuals, producing silvery, scaly plaques on the skin. The skin condition usually begins in adolescence and affects 2 percent of the population. The most common type of psoriasis is called “plaque psoriasis” (or psoriasis vulgaris), characterized by raised, inflamed lesions with silver-white scales. Other far less common forms include pustular, guttate, inverse, and erythrodermic psoriasis.

The condition is considered to be mild if only 10 percent or less of the body is affected; 10 percent to 30 percent indicates a moderate problem, and psoriasis over more than 30 percent of the body is considered to be severe. The location of the symptoms, more than the extent, influences how disabling the condition may be. Psoriasis only on the palms and soles of the feet can be physically disabling, while psoriasis on the face can be emotionally disturbing. Typically, a person with psoriasis experiences cycles of improvement and flares; the disease can go into remission for periods ranging from one to 60 years.

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