Abrasions, which are scrapes, are areas of the skin that have had the skin scraped off. Scrapes should be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide and then an antibiotic cream applied with a bandage for at least the first day to aid in healing. Lacerations are more serious. This is when the skin is actually cut open. Depending on the severity of the laceration, some may need stitches to keep them closed and heal.
Deep lacerations can cause nerve and tissue damage.
Any time there is a laceration involved, make sure you have it checked by the child's pediatrician. There are certain areas of the body and certain types of cuts that cannot be sutured. The area between the toes is one such place, and physicians usually just tape two toes together. Animal and human bites are an example of laceration where stitches are not used. Closing the wound with sutures causes risk of infection.