The content in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Cuts happen. It’s just part of life. Knowing when you can take care of a wound at home and when you need stitches can help you prevent infection, minimize scarring, and promote proper healing. But, when do you need stitches?
This article will give you a guide to figuring out when stitches are necessary, how to care for minor cuts yourself, and what to expect if you need medical care for a more serious wound.
Understanding stitches and their purpose
What are stitches (sutures)?
Stitches, also known as sutures, are medical devices that doctors and nurses use to close wounds. They’re usually made of thread-like material used to hold the edges of your skin together while the wound heals.
Some stitches are absorbable, meaning they dissolve in your body over time. Others are nonabsorbable and have to be removed by a healthcare professional after the wound has healed.
Why are stitches important?
Stitches help wounds heal properly by holding the edges of the skin together. They also minimize scarring, because the wound is able to heal evenly. Plus, stitches lower your risk of infection by closing the wound and keeping bacteria out.
Key indicators: When a cut needs stitches
So, how do you know if you can handle a cut at home or if it’s time to head to urgent care? Here are some key things to look for:
Size and Depth
As a general rule, if a cut is wider than half an inch or deeper than a quarter of an inch, you’ll probably need stitches. Even smaller cuts may need stitches if they’re deep enough to gape open.
Bleeding
If the blood is spurting, or if steady pressure and elevation don’t stop the bleeding after 10 to 15 minutes, it’s time for stitches. Bright red blood can be a sign of arterial bleeding, which requires immediate medical attention.
Location
Cuts on the face, hands, or genitals are more likely to need stitches due to concerns about cosmetic appearance and function. Cuts over joints like knees and elbows also tend to need stitches, as these areas move a lot and can reopen easily. Wounds near sensitive areas like the eyes or mouth also warrant a visit to the doctor.
Wound Appearance
If you can see different layers of tissue (like fat, muscle, or even bone), you’ll definitely need stitches. Jagged edges or edges that are far apart and can’t be easily brought together also mean it’s time to see a doctor.
Cause of the Wound
Puncture wounds, especially those from rusty or dirty objects, have a high risk of infection and may need stitches and a tetanus shot. Animal bites and scratches often require medical attention due to the risk of rabies and infection.
A closer look: Assessing the wound
If you’re trying to decide whether a wound needs stitches, take a closer look at the injury.
Is the wound clean?
If you cut yourself with a clean blade, you may not need stitches. On the other hand, cuts from a rusty or jagged tool are more concerning. If the wound is contaminated with dirt, debris, or some other foreign material, it’s more likely to get infected, and you may need stitches after the wound is thoroughly cleaned.
Can the wound close naturally?
If the edges of the cut naturally come together and stay that way, you probably don’t need stitches. But if the skin is pulling apart, exposing the tissue underneath, you probably need to see a doctor to have it stitched.
Is there nerve or tendon damage?
If you have numbness, tingling, or trouble moving a body part near the cut, you may have nerve or tendon damage. These kinds of injuries need immediate medical care, and you may need stitches or even surgery.
First aid before seeing a doctor
If you have a wound that might need stitches, here’s what you should do:
- Stop the bleeding. Press down on the wound with a clean cloth or bandage. If you can, raise the injury above your heart.
- Clean the wound. Rinse the wound with potable water that is neither too hot nor too cold. Wash the area around the wound with soap and water, but don’t put soap directly in the wound.
- Protect the wound. Put a thin layer of antibiotic ointment on the wound if you aren’t allergic to it. Then, cover it with a clean bandage.
- Don’t remove anything stuck in the wound. If something is sticking out of the wound, leave it there. Keep it still and go to the emergency room.
How long can you wait to get stitches?
Doctors recommend getting stitches within 6 to 8 hours of an injury. Waiting longer than 24 hours increases your risk of infection and may make stitches less effective.
However, even if it’s been longer than a day, a doctor can still evaluate the wound. In some cases, they may be able to perform what’s called a “delayed primary closure” after they’ve treated any infection.
What are some alternatives to stitches?
If a cut is minor, you may be able to close it without stitches. Here are some options:
- Steri-Strips: These bandages stick to your skin on either side of the cut, holding it closed.
- Wound Glue (Cyanoacrylate): It sounds scary, but this medical-grade glue can close simple cuts.
- Staples: Doctors often use staples to close scalp wounds or surgical cuts quickly and securely.
Caring for stitches
Once you have stitches, it’s important to:
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions, including changing the bandage.
- Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, pus, or fever.
- Avoid activities that might put stress on the wound.
How long your stitches stay in depends on where they are. Stitches on the face typically come out after 4 or 5 days, while stitches near joints may need to stay in for two weeks.
What happens if you don’t get stitches?
If you don’t get stitches when you need them, a number of problems can occur:
- Infection: Bacteria can get into the wound and cause a local or even a body-wide infection.
- Excessive Scarring: If the wound doesn’t close properly, you might have a scar that’s very noticeable and doesn’t look good.
- Delayed Healing: Wounds that aren’t treated can take a long time to heal, which means a higher risk of infection.
- Functional Impairment: Cuts near joints or other moving areas might limit your movement.
Summary
Knowing when a cut needs more than a bandage is important for healing well and avoiding problems later. If you’re not sure, it’s always a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider. Treating a wound quickly and correctly will help reduce scarring, lower the chance of infection, and help you recover as well as possible.