Erosion

EROSION (from Latin erosio - superficial abrasion), a term used to denote superficial defects of the epithelium that form as a result of disruption of the integrity of the epidermal cover under the influence of mechanical injuries and maceration. The shedding of small areas of the horny layer occurs mainly due to loosening of the epidermis in exudative diseases. The size and shape of erosions that form from vesicles or superficial pustules embedded in the epidermis, after rupture of their cover and discharge of their contents, in most cases correspond to the size and shape of the vesicles or pustules. Due to the fusion of vesicles, the resulting erosions sometimes acquire scalloped outlines. Sometimes the surface of the erosion is covered with purulent discharge. Usually, erosion does not lead to scar formation. Erosions can serve as portals of entry for the introduction of pyogenic infection. At the site of an erosion after its healing, a dark-brown discoloration sometimes forms due to pigment deposition (erosio interdigitalis blastomycetica - see Blastomycetes, blastomycosis).