Patient Education: Excoriation Wounds

Understanding Your Excoriation

An excoriation is a scratch or abrasion on the skin. It happens when the top layers of skin are rubbed or scratched off. Excoriations can be painful, red, and sometimes bleed.

Causes of Excoriations

Excoriations can happen from:

Scratching itchy skin
Friction from clothing or shoes
Minor accidents, like falling or bumping into something
Skin conditions like eczema or rashes
Insect bites

Prevention of Excoriations

Avoid scratching itchy areas
Keep nails short and clean
Wear soft, non-irritating clothing
Use lotion or cream for dry skin
Be careful to avoid falls or bumps

Treatment of Excoriations (Follow Your Doctor’s Orders)

Your doctor or home health nurse may recommend:

Cleaning the wound – Gently wash with mild soap and water
Topical ointments or creams – To prevent infection and promote healing
Dressing – Cover the area with a sterile dressing if needed
Pain management – Take over-the-counter medicine as advised
Monitoring – Watch for signs of infection or worsening

Understanding Your Wound Dressing

A wound dressing protects the excoriation from germs and dirt.
A compromised dressing is wet, dirty, loose, torn, or has fallen off.

If your dressing is compromised:

Wash your hands
Call your nurse or doctor
Replace with a clean, sterile dressing if instructed
Do not touch the wound with dirty hands

Signs of Infection or Complications

Call your nurse or doctor if you notice:

Redness or swelling around the wound
Pain that is increasing
Pus or foul-smelling drainage
Fever or chills
Warmth around the wound
Skin opening up or bleeding more than usual

Signs of worsening excoriation include:

Skin around the wound becoming darker or hard
Wound not healing after several days
New areas of redness or swelling

When to Contact Your Nurse or Doctor vs. Going to the ER

Call your home health nurse or doctor for:
- Dressing questions
- Mild redness or irritation
- Pain that is controlled with medicine
Go to the Emergency Room if:
- Wound is very deep or bleeding heavily
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve
- Signs of serious infection (high fever, spreading redness, pus)
- You notice numbness, tingling, or difficulty using the area

Diet for Wound Healing

Eating the right foods helps your skin heal:

Protein: Chicken, fish, eggs, beans, tofu
Vitamin C: Oranges, strawberries, bell peppers
Zinc: Nuts, seeds, whole grains
Fluids: Drink plenty of water

Special note: If you have kidney problems, talk to your doctor or home health nurse before changing your diet.

Extra Tips for Healing

Keep the excoriation clean and dry
Avoid scratching or rubbing
Follow instructions from your doctor or nurse carefully
Monitor the wound and report any changes immediately

Patient Homework / Assessment: True or False

True or False – An excoriation is a scratch or abrasion on the skin.
True or False – Excoriations are caused by bacteria alone.
True or False – Scratching itchy skin can cause excoriations.
True or False – Keeping nails short can help prevent excoriations.
True or False – You should rub the excoriation to make it heal faster.
True or False – Sterile dressings protect the wound from germs.
True or False – A compromised dressing is wet, dirty, loose, or torn.
True or False – You should call your nurse if your dressing falls off.
True or False – Pus or foul smell can indicate infection.
True or False – Fever or chills may be a sign of wound infection.
True or False – Mild redness always needs an ER visit.
True or False – Deep, heavily bleeding wounds need emergency care.
True or False – Protein and vitamin C support wound healing.
True or False – Fluids help your skin heal after an excoriation.
True or False – Excoriations caused by friction or accidents can be prevented.
True or False – If the wound is warm or swelling is increasing, you should contact your nurse or doctor.
True or False – You should scratch or rub the wound to reduce discomfort.
True or False – Following your doctor’s instructions helps the excoriation heal safely.
True or False – Kidney patients should talk to their nurse before making diet changes.
True or False – New redness, swelling, or pain should be reported immediately.

Answer Key and Explanations

True – Excoriation is a scratch or abrasion.
False – Excoriations are usually caused by trauma, friction, or scratching, not bacteria alone.
True – Scratching can break the skin and cause excoriation.
True – Short nails reduce risk of scratching and injury.
False – Rubbing can make the wound worse.
True – Dressings protect the wound from germs and dirt.
True – Compromised dressings are wet, dirty, loose, or torn.
True – Call your nurse for guidance if dressing fails.
True – Pus or foul smell may indicate infection.
True – Fever or chills can indicate infection.
False – Mild redness can often be monitored; severe symptoms need care.
True – Deep or heavily bleeding wounds need ER care.
True – Protein and vitamin C help tissue repair.
True – Fluids support healing and cell function.
True – Protective measures and careful behavior reduce risk.
True – Warmth and increasing swelling may indicate infection.
False – Scratching worsens the wound.
True – Following instructions ensures safe healing.
True – Kidney patients need guidance before dietary changes.
True – New redness, swelling, or pain should be reported promptly.