What condition is characterized by a skin sore caused by persistent scratching?

The condition characterized by a skin sore caused by persistent scratching is excoriation. Excoriation refers to the loss or damage to the skin that occurs when an individual scratches excessively. This scratching can lead to abrasions, open sores, or skin lesions, commonly resulting in further irritation or even infection. Individuals may engage in this behavior due to underlying conditions such as itching from dermatitis or eczema, but the defining element of excoriation is the act of damaging the skin through scratching.

In contrast, psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema all refer to broader skin conditions that may cause itching or irritation but do not specifically denote the act of scratching resulting in skin sores. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition marked by rapid skin cell production, dermatitis typically refers to inflammation of the skin often due to an allergen or irritant, and eczema represents a range of conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed or irritated. While these conditions can lead to scratching, excoriation is the specific term for the resultant skin damage from that action.