What type of abrasion is associated with tailing?

Tailing is a specific characteristic associated with grazing abrasions. This type of abrasion occurs when the skin is scraped or rubbed against a rough surface, resulting in a marked pattern that can resemble a "tail." The scraping action typically leads to the removal of the superficial layers of skin while preserving the deeper layers. Grazing abrasions often have irregular edges and may show signs of varying depths, particularly in cases where the direction of movement changes, causing the skin to catch on the surface, which contributes to the distinctive tailing appearance.

In contrast, the other types of abrasions differ significantly. Pressure abrasions are usually caused by consistent pressure against the skin without the sliding or dragging motion typical of grazing injuries. Incised wounds are clean cuts made by sharp objects, not related to abrasion. Contused wounds involve bruising and damage beneath the skin without scraping it, lacking the characteristic features found in grazing abrasions. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate interpretation in forensic assessments.