break in the skin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break in the skin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in medical or health-related contexts to describe an injury or wound that disrupts the skin's surface. Example: "The doctor examined the wound and noted that there was a break in the skin, which could lead to infection if not treated properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"It seems most likely that there has to be a break in the skin.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is harmless until it enters a break in the skin, where it can feed on tissue and multiply.

The New York Times - Health

Infection occurs when the virus enters a break in the skin caused by a cut or a rash.

The New York Times

If they invade via a break in the skin, the result is cutaneous anthrax, which often resolves without treatment and is easily cured by antibiotics.

The New York Times

When Ebola comes into contact with the mucous membranes of our mouth or a break in the skin, the dendritic cell goes to work against it.

The New Yorker

At times it occurs as a result of local injury, either from a penetrating wound or from an external blow without a break in the skin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

A virus enters the host through any opportunistic opening of the body—; such as minute breaks in the skin barrier or mucosal linings of the eye, nose, etc.

Microbial Forensics

The bacteria that cause necrotizing fasciitis usually enter the body through the mucous membranes or breaks in the skin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The trypanosomes can enter the bloodstream only through mucous membranes or breaks in the skin (e.g., those that may result from scratching the site of the bite).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Protective overgarments, including boots and gloves, are useful for preventing biological agents from contacting open wounds or breaks in the skin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The patient is then beset by spontaneous bleeding from body orifices and any breaks in the skin, such as injection sites, and within the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and internal organs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about medical conditions, use "break in the skin" to clearly describe a physical disruption of the skin's surface, which can serve as an entry point for pathogens.

Common error

While precise medical terminology is important, using simpler terms like "break in the skin" can be more accessible to a general audience than more complex phrases like "compromised skin integrity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break in the skin" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence, particularly in medical or health-related contexts. It describes a physical disruption or discontinuity of the skin's surface, as illustrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

23%

Less common in

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "break in the skin" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in medical and health-related content. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It serves to describe a disruption of the skin's surface, often highlighting a potential entry point for infection or detailing the nature of an injury. The phrase is commonly found in neutral contexts such as news media, scientific articles, and encyclopedias, making it suitable for a wide range of audiences. While more technical alternatives exist, "break in the skin" offers a clear and accessible way to describe this common condition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skin breach

Emphasizes the violation of the skin's integrity.

skin laceration

Focuses on the cutting or tearing aspect of the skin.

skin rupture

Highlights the act of the skin being forcibly broken or burst open.

skin wound

A general term for damage to the skin.

dermal abrasion

Refers specifically to a scraping injury to the skin.

cut in the skin

Simple and direct way of describing a skin opening.

puncture wound

Describes a wound caused by a piercing object.

skin opening

General term meaning an interruption of the skin.

compromised skin integrity

A more formal, medical phrase indicating the skin's barrier function is disrupted.

disruption of the skin

Focuses on the interruption of the skin's continuity.

FAQs

How to use "break in the skin" in a sentence?

You can use "break in the skin" to describe a wound or injury. For example: "The infection started due to a "break in the skin"."

What can I say instead of "break in the skin"?

Alternatives include "skin breach", "skin wound", or "skin laceration" depending on the nature of the injury.

Which is correct, "break in the skin" or "skin break"?

"Break in the skin" is the more common and natural phrasing. "Skin break" is less frequently used and may sound awkward in some contexts.

What's the difference between "break in the skin" and "cut"?

A "cut" is a specific type of "break in the skin", usually caused by a sharp object. "Break in the skin" is a broader term encompassing cuts, abrasions, punctures, and other disruptions.