What are lacerations?

Lacerations are defined as injuries that occur when the skin is torn or cut in a jagged manner, often as a result of blunt trauma or impact from an object with irregular edges. These types of cuts can vary in depth and severity, and they typically involve damage to the skin's layers, potentially affecting underlying tissues as well. The jagged nature of lacerations differentiates them from smooth cuts, which are more commonly associated with incisions made by sharp objects, such as knives or glass. Understanding this is crucial because the management and treatment of lacerations may require different approaches compared to other types of injuries, such as abrasions or incisions.