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Excoriation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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excoriation

[ษชkหŒskษ”หrษชหˆeษชสƒษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Excoriation refers to the act of scraping or wearing off the skin, which can result in raw, painful lesions. It is often associated with skin disorders or can occur due to excessive scratching or rubbing. In a psychological context, excoriation can refer to a condition where individuals compulsively pick at their skin, leading to significant distress and impairment. The condition is also acknowledged as a form of body-focused repetitive behavior, and it may require therapeutic interventions for proper management.

Synonyms

abrading, dermatitis, scratching.

Examples of usage

  • The patient presented with excoriation on their forearms from excessive scratching.
  • He struggled with excoriation disorder, which led to noticeable skin damage.
  • The doctor advised against any further excoriation to allow the skin to heal.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In therapy, excoriation is often linked to a psychological condition known as Skin Picking Disorder, which leads individuals to compulsively pick at their skin.
  • Harsh self-criticism can be a form of excoriation, impacting mental health and self-esteem.
  • Metaphorically, excoriation involves emotionally tearing apart a person's confidence or worth.

Literature

  • In literary criticism, excoriation refers to a scathing review, where a writer might tear apart a piece of work.
  • Notable critics in history, like Mark Twain, used excoriation to highlight flaws in societal norms and literature.
  • Excoriation has been a tool for social commentary, aiming to awaken readers to issues by harshly critiquing them.

Medicine

  • Excoriation in a medical context refers to skin that has been damaged or scraped off, often due to scratching or friction.
  • This term is relevant for dermatologists, as excoriation can lead to infections if the underlying skin is exposed.
  • Proper treatment for excoriated skin includes cleaning the wound and possibly antibiotic ointments to prevent infection.

Pop Culture

  • The term is rarely used in everyday language, making it a unique choice for dramatic storytelling in films or literature.
  • Critics often excoriate films or books that donโ€™t meet audience expectations, sparking debates in forums and social media.
  • In comedy, the exaggerated excoriation of societal norms or celebrities can become a form of satire.

Origin of 'excoriation'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the Latin word 'excoriare', which means 'to strip of skin'.
  • The word combines 'ex-', meaning 'out of' or 'away from', and 'corium', which refers to skin or hide.
  • It entered English around the early 17th century, initially used in the context of physical removal of skin.

The term 'excoriation' originates from the Latin word 'excoriatio', which means 'to strip off the skin'. This word is composed of 'ex-', meaning 'out of' or 'from', and 'corium', which translates to 'skin' or 'hide'. The medical terminology began to be used in the 14th century to describe various skin ailments and conditions that resulted in the surface layer of the skin being damaged or removed. Over time, the term evolved, encompassing not only the physical act of stripping the skin but also broader psychological issues including compulsive skin-picking behaviors. The understanding of excoriation has expanded with the intersection of dermatology and psychiatry, particularly in the context of mental health conditions where such behaviors are implicated.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,661 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.