Why are paper cuts so painful in relation to their size and appearance?
A cut with a piece of paper not only parts the flesh, but it also damages the skin on either side of the wound because of the paper's rough and fibrous surface. By contrast, a cut with a razor causes little excess damage and leaves little foreign matter behind because it is so smooth and clean. The cut can also bleed quite freely, helping to wash away anything that might cause infection.
For more science-type questions and answers, visit the The Last Word, part of the New Scientist's online magazine.
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