What type of wound is a laceration?

A laceration is characterized by a cut or tear in the skin or tissue, often with jagged or irregular edges. This distinguishes it from a clean cut injury, which typically has smooth edges due to being inflicted by a sharp object. Lacerations can result from a variety of incidents, such as accidents with tools or falling on sharp objects, and they might involve not just the skin but also deeper tissues.

The nature of a laceration means that it may pose a higher risk of infection than a clean cut because of the irregular edges and the potential for dirt and bacteria to enter the wound. Understanding this distinction is crucial in treating such injuries appropriately, which often involves cleaning the wound thoroughly and, in some cases, suturing or stitching it for proper healing.