Final answer:
Excoriation is a type of skin lesion that involves the loss of the epidermis, revealing the dermis beneath, often resulting from scratching or mechanical injury. This can expose the skin to infections and is linked to conditions like contact dermatitis and eczema. Various rashes and lesions may look similar but can have differing causes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Excoriation refers to a type of skin lesion characterized by the loss of the epidermis and exposing the underlying dermis. Typically resulting from scratching or other forms of mechanical injury to the skin, excoriations can be caused by a reaction to irritants, as seen with contact dermatitis, or by the physical action of scratching due to itchy conditions such as eczema. These injuries can make the skin more susceptible to microbial invasion, potentially leading to infections or worsening of conditions like acne, which is already a result of clogged sebaceous glands and inflammation. While excoriation can sometimes be a response to a physiological condition, it can also occur due to excessive friction or pressure applied to the skin, similar to what causes calluses and corns. It is worth noting that multiple kinds of rashes or lesions, each with unique characteristics, can appear on the skin due to a plethora of causes ranging from autoimmune reactions, and bacterial invasions to allergic responses.