An abrasion or scratch on the skin is referred to as what?

An abrasion or scratch on the skin is best described as an excoriation. This term specifically refers to a superficial loss of skin that results from friction, injury, or trauma, which fits the definition of an abrasion or scratch. Excoriations can occur due to scratches from fingernails or rough surfaces and often affect the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of skin.

Understanding the context of skin conditions helps clarify why this term is appropriate. Fissures refer to deep cracks or splits in the skin, ulcers are deeper lesions that can affect various layers of the skin and often indicate underlying disease, and crusts are formed from dried bodily fluids or skin cells on the skin's surface. Each of these terms relates to different aspects of skin integrity and conditions, thus making "excoriation" the most accurate term for a surface-level abrasion or scratch.