Which skin condition results from scratching the skin?

The condition that results from scratching the skin is known as excoriation. This term specifically refers to the act of damaging the skin due to repeated mechanical irritation or abrasion, such as scratching. When an individual scratches an area of the skin, it can lead to redness, inflammation, and sometimes even open wounds, which may further contribute to the risk of infection. Excoriations are often superficial and can heal relatively quickly if proper care is taken.

In contrast, ulcers are usually deeper injuries that involve the loss of tissue and often take longer to heal. Fissures refer to cracks or breaks in the skin's surface, typically caused by extreme dryness or irritation, but not necessarily due to scratching. Keloids are raised scars that develop after skin injury, resulting from an excessive healing process rather than from the immediate act of scratching. Thus, excoriation is the most accurate term to describe the skin condition caused specifically by scratching.