Written by: WellCome Care Editorial Team
In a Nutshell
Stitches or Bandage?
Most superficial cuts, abrasions or scratches heal without requiring stitches, but if your cut is deep, dirty or is located at a sensitive spot on your body, you may need stitches to ensure proper healing. Stitches, also referred to as sutures are specialized threads that are used by healthcare providers to close a wound. When applied properly, stitches stop bleeding, reduce the risk of infection, and minimize scarring.
Factors that determine whether you need stitches
The size of cut or laceration also dictates how the would is closed. Shallow wounds are usually closed with the help of adhesive tapes, or band-aids, whereas head wounds are usually closed by staples.
Bleeding from the wound: If your wound is profusely bleeding even after applying pressure or after 10 minutes of injury, you may require stitches. Seek immediate medical help if blood is gushing out or spurting as it may suggest a severed artery.
Site of Injury: Site or location of injury also determines whether you need stitches or not. Some examples are:
Cause of Injury: Medical treatment is particularly important for wounds or cuts that are caused by animal or human bite, or puncture wounds as in all such cases, you may also need a tetanus shot, antibiotics or other vaccines in addition to stitches. Regardless of the size and depth of wound, speak to a healthcare professional on emergent basis if:
Poor/ Inadequate healing of an old cut: You should see a healthcare professional if an old wound, cut, or laceration is not healing adequately or if you have developed an infection. Common signs of infection are:
Basic First Aid soon after the Injury
Soon after the injury, follow these steps to secure the wound that may or may not require stitches:
Strength of Evidence:A
The recommendations made in this article are based of consensus and general practices.
Our Ruling
Generally, deep, contaminated wounds that are located on cosmetically sensitive parts of the body (such as face) or on joints require stitches. The management and type of suture varies, depending on the nature of wound and cause of injury. Stitches hasten the speed of recovery and protects you from infection, blood loss, pain, and loss of function.
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