# Friction burn

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For the book Rope Burns, later adopted to film, see [F.X. Toole](/source/F.X._Toole).

For the band The Rugburns, see [The Rugburns](/source/The_Rugburns).

A **friction burn** is a form of [abrasion](/source/Abrasion_(medical)) caused by the [friction](/source/Friction) of [skin](/source/Skin) rubbing against a surface. A friction burn may also be referred to as **skinning**, **[chafing](/source/Chafing_(skin))**, or a term named for the surface causing the burn such as **rope burn**, **carpet burn** or **rug burn**. Because friction generates [heat](/source/Heat), extreme cases of chafing may result in genuine [thermal burning](/source/Thermal_burn) of the outer layers of skin.[1]

The [dermal papillae](/source/Dermal_papillae) may be exposed after top layers of the epidermis ([stratum corneum](/source/Stratum_corneum), [stratum granulosum](/source/Stratum_granulosum), [stratum spinosum](/source/Stratum_spinosum) and [stratum basale](/source/Stratum_basale)) have been removed. This is often uncomfortable and even painful, but rarely results in [bleeding](/source/Bleeding).

A person's own skin (or the skin of another person) may be sufficient to act as an abrasive surface to cause friction burn. More commonly, friction with abrasive surfaces, including clothing, carpet, or rope, can lead to a friction burn. Common places at which skin-to-skin chafing can occur are between the thighs and under the armpits. Friction burns are very common with clothing such as pants on the knees caused by playing sports or sliding on wooden surfaces.

Less dangerous friction burns can occur frequently on sensitive skin surfaces such as the genitals, such as during [sexual intercourse](/source/Sexual_intercourse) or [masturbation](/source/Masturbation).

The risks of a friction burn include [infection](/source/Infection) and temporary or permanent [scarring](/source/Scar).

## Treatments

Most minor cases of a friction burn require little to no treatment, as a specific case of allergy might aggravate the burn.

Treatments for friction burns usually involve application of an [anti-inflammatory](/source/Anti-inflammatory) cream. Pain relieving medication may also be taken.[2]

## References

1. Agrawal, A.; Raibagkar, S.C.; Vora, H.J. (31 March 2008). "Friction Burns: Epidemiology and Prevention". *Annals of Burns and Fire Disasters*. **21** (1): 3–6. [PMC 3188131](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188131). [PMID 21991101](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21991101)

1. Terrie, Yvette C. (16 September 2011). ["First Aid for Minor Burns and Wounds"](https://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2011/September2011/First-Aid-for-Minor-Burns-and-Wounds). *Pharmacy Times*. **77** (9). September 2011 Pain Awareness. Intellisphere. Retrieved 11 November 2014.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Friction burn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friction_burn) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friction_burn?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.