Final answer:
A laceration is a deep cut or tear in the skin, while an abrasion is a superficial wound where the skin is scraped off. It is important to watch for signs of infection after cleaning and bandaging a cut or abrasion.
Step-by-step explanation:
A laceration is a type of wound where the skin is torn or cut deeply, often caused by a sharp object like a knife or glass. An abrasion, on the other hand, is a superficial wound where the upper layer of the skin is scraped off, usually caused by friction or rubbing against a rough surface.
For example, if someone accidentally cuts themselves with a knife while cooking, they may have a laceration. If someone falls on the pavement and scrapes their knee, they may have an abrasion.
It is important to watch for increased redness, swelling, and pain after cleaning and bandaging a cut or abrasion because these symptoms may indicate an infection. Infections can occur when bacteria enter the wound, and the signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes pus or discharge. If these symptoms worsen or persist, it is important to seek medical attention.