Why do paper cuts hurt so much? | #aumsum #kids #science #education #children

Topic: Paper cut
Why do paper cuts hurt so much?
It is because paper hates us.
No.
We use our fingers and hands to sense our surroundings.
Hence, they have more number of nociceptors than any other parts of our body.
Nociceptors are pain receptors that respond to change in pressure, temperature, etc.
Now, the edges of the paper are not smooth but are rough or jagged.
They are like a saw.
Absolutely.
Hence, sometimes when we rub our hands or especially fingertips against the edges, it cuts them like a saw, activating the nociceptors.
Now, as there are more nociceptors on our hands, we feel more pain.
In addition to this, the paper cut might also have fragments of paper containing chemicals which may irritate the skin and thus increase the pain.