ABSTRACT
Direct blows to the skin and underlying muscle result in contusions. Oblique contact of the skin with a rough surface results in frictional damage to the skin and this is termed an abrasion.
History-taking should focus on the nature of the incident-when? how? are there any features suggestive of non-accidental injury? what was the environment (barnyard, possible foreign bodies)? and is the patient immunocompromised or had immunizations? On physical examination, document the injuries carefully, especially if non-accidental injury is at all a consideration. Examine the entire body and verify the integrity of any associated bones and joints by checking for bony tenderness and movement of joints. Investigations are rarely needed with abrasions and contusions. However, swabs of infected abrasions can determine antibiotic usage and X-rays can help detect the presence of radio-opaque foreign bodies or exclude underlying bony injury.
