Cuts and puncture wounds

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Cuts and puncture wounds

Definition

A cut is an injury that results in a break or opening in the skin.

A laceration is a jagged, irregular cut.

A puncture is a wound made by a pointed object (like a nail, knife, or sharp tooth).

Alternative Names

Wound - cut or puncture; Open wound; Laceration

References

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.


First aid kit


Laceration versus puncture wound


Stitches


Snake bite


Minor cut - first aid

Review Date: 2/19/2008
Reviewed By: John E. Duldner, Jr., MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Director of Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Akron General Medical Center and Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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