Abrasion carpet burn For other uses , see Abrasion ( disambiguation ) . Abrasion on the palm of a right hand , shortly after falling Abrasions on elbow and lower arm . The elbow wound will produce a permanent scar . In dermatology , an abrasion is superficial damage to the skin , generally not deeper than the epidermis . It is more superficial than an excoriation , although it can give mild bleeding . Mild abrasions do not scar , but deep abrasions may lead to the development of scarring tissue . Most commonly , abrasion injuries occur when exposed skin comes into moving contact with a rough surface causing trauma to the upper layers of the epidermis . Such injuries , where caused by abrasive contact with textiles or carpet , are sometimes referred to as ' rug burn ' or ' carpet burn ' . See also Wound Look up Abrasion in Wiktionary , the free dictionary .  This dermatology article is a stub . You can help Wikipedia by expanding it . Categories : Dermatology stubs | Dermatology In other languages : Dansk | Deutsch | Esperanto | Français | Galego | Nederlands | Svenska For other uses , see Abrasion ( disambiguation ) . 