Why do the smallest cuts hurt the most

But now try the same thing on your back, or your legs. This actually makes a good deal of evolutionary sense. So the extreme pain felt when something injures your fingers is simply the result of evolution working as it should, providing a little extra encouragement for you to keep those hands safe.

Do a quick Google search and you might become convinced that due to its porous nature, paper is home to a bacterial menagerie, just waiting to colonise your paper-inflicted wounds. Bacteria can lead to infections if wounds are left untreated, which themselves can be painful, but that takes a bit of time.

Paper edges may look straight, but they are in fact serrated, cutting through skin like a saw Credit: iStock. To the naked eye, it might seem as if a paper's edge is fairly straight and smooth. So when a paper cuts open your skin, it leaves behind a chaotic path of destruction rather than a smooth laceration. It rips, tears, and shreds your skin, rather than making clean slice, as a razor or knife blade would do. A deeper wound would result in bleeding.

The blood would clot and a scab would develop, beneath which the skin could go about healing free from the continued assault of the outside world. They are certainly no fun! Horse Girl Nov 9, Nov 10, You're right, Horse Girl! Thanks for commenting. Joe C Nov 8, I think that paper cuts hurt because paper is so thin that it turns out sharp and it digs into your skin. Roo Nov 11, Nov 12, Thanks for adding your input, Roo.

Thanks for adding your thoughts, Joe! We hope you enjoyed exploring this Wonder! Ryan Nov 8, Reading Wonderopolis you won't get paper cuts and can keep reading these amazing facts and articles. Your comment made us smile today! Thanks for sharing it. Logic Nov 16, You got a paper cut on your computer? So sad Thanks for joining the discussion, Logic! We hope you learned something new with us. Oh no, connor! We're glad you visited Wonderopolis, but sorry you just got a paper cut!

CrazyMan28 Nov 8, Wow, CrazyMan28! We consider that pretty lucky! John Nov 8, One of my previous teachers said to put soap on it, It hurt more than it worked! Kayla Nov 7, I think That you Are Drawing and the paper cuts your finger. Or your cutting and paper cuts your finger? Nov 8, Hi, Kayla! Paper cuts can be a real pain, no matter how they happen! I think it's because a bit of paper goes into your skin. Hananh Nov 8, Nov 7, That would make it even more painful, Louis T.

Jack Nov 7, One of my previous teachers told us to rub soap on paper cuts, it hurt more than it worked! Thanks for sharing your experience, Jack. It's great to hear you learned some new things with us, danaka! Call in Nov 7, We're glad to hear you enjoyed this Wonder, Call in! Wonderopolis Nov 7, We don't like them either, Wonderopolis!

They're painful! Have you had a papercut for 3 hours and 87 minutes. Considering paper cuts can take days or a week to heal, we'd answer yes, Wonder Friend! Sammy Nov 14, Thanks for leaving us your comment, Wonder Friend. Bee stings and paper cuts both hurt! Anna R Nov 7, Why does the moon follow you when you are driving? Karter Nov 7, Nobody likes paper cuts. My finger hurts. Grace Nov 7, Paper cuts hurt because at the end of the paper is sharp.

Hope Mitchell Nov 7, This explains so much why they hurt. My mom says I'm a wimp when I get one. Your not a wimp! They hurt me too! That's kinda mean I mean she's your MOM she shouldn't be calling you a wimp Thanks for joining the discussion, Roo.

Keira Barkley Nov 7, Paper cuts are very painful! I have had many paper cuts in my life, and I know that they hurt! I am so glad I read this article, because now I know why they hurt. We're glad today's Wonder helped you understand one of life's pain points, Keira! Colton M. I found this very informative! They really do sting!

Very interesting article. It was a little gross to read the part about paper ripping through my fingers. Jada Nov 9, Related Wonders for You to Explore Match its definition: the degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment corresponding to its molecular activity. Word Match Congratulations! Share results. Play Again Quit. Next Question. See your results. Share Results. Retake The Quiz. The injury is usually small and shallow, but it can really hurt!

Although it can be uncomfortable, the pain is completely normal. To learn more about why paper cuts hurt so much, read on. Your body has hundreds of nerves. These nerves are spread throughout your body, from head to toe. In your hands and fingers, though, the nerve endings are densely packed together.

In fact, according to a study , the fingertips have the highest tactile spatial acuity of the entire body. Tactile spatial acuity means the ability to perceive the sense of touch, including pain. This explains why paper cuts hurt so much. They commonly affect the hands and fingers, which have a higher density of nerve endings.

But what about all the blood? Well, the capillaries in your hands and fingers are closely packed together. This means paper cuts can cause a lot of bleeding because of how concentrated blood can be in your hands. Paper cuts, along with other wounds, may be more painful or harder to heal if you have certain conditions.

In some cases, nerve damage might reduce your sensation of touch and pain. You may also be less cautious with a paper cut, which can increase the risk of complications. There are also several conditions that can make it harder for paper cuts to heal. Talk with your doctor about paper cuts if you have:. Wash your hands as soon as you get a paper cut.

Use soap and water. This will clean the injury and help prevent infection.