Excoriation is characterized by which type of skin lesion?

Excoriation refers to a specific type of skin lesion that occurs when the skin is scratched or rubbed, leading to the removal or damage of the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin. This action can result in a deep scratch that may cause bleeding or weeping of the dermal layer beneath, indicating that the epidermis has been compromised. This characterization aligns with the definition of excoriation, distinguishing it from other types of lesions, such as benign growths, forms of psoriasis, or viral infections.

In contrast, benign growths are typically non-invasive and do not involve any breaking of the epidermis, while psoriasis is a chronic skin condition marked by red, scaly patches due to abnormal skin cell proliferation rather than excoriated injuries. Furthermore, a viral infection would involve pathogenic intrusion and may manifest as lesions, rashes, or warts, but does not specifically describe the mechanical damage like an excoriation that arises from direct physical trauma. Thus, the definition of excoriation accurately describes a deep scratch associated with epidermal disruption.