If you’ve had an injury, you may wonder whether it’s going to require stitches. This will depend on the type of wound, cause, other conditions you may have, and whether stitches are the treatment of choice. Make sure totake care of the wounduntil you can get professional help.
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Uses of Sutures
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Stitches are used for two reasons:
Let’s look at the second reason first. If the wound is in an area where scarring would be obvious and the wound is deep enough to see the fatty tissue under the skin surface (thesubcutaneoustissue), then getting stitches may allow you to have a less obvious scar.Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about scarring.
The first reason is more complicated and requires a bit more understanding of the types of wounds, how they are treated, and possible infections.
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Types of Wounds
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoVerywell / Todd Ferguson
Verywell / Todd Ferguson
There are several types of open wounds:
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When to See a healthcare provider
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photocatlover, Reader submission
catlover, Reader submission
4Can It Be Stitched?This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoVerywell / Todd FergusonLacerations, punctures, and incisions are all suturable wounds (they can be stitched). Avulsions that still have a flap of skin attached may also be suturable. Complete avulsions and abrasions cannot be stitched, but you still may need a healthcare provider to treat the wound if it’s serious enough.To determine if stitches are needed, look at three things:Depth: Is the wound deep enough to see the subcutaneous tissue (which is yellowish and fatty)? If so, the wound is deep enough to get stitches, but it still may not need them.Width: Can the wound be pulled closed easily? If the wound is gaping and cannot be easily pinched closed, then it will need stitches to hold it closed long enough to heal correctly.Location: Wounds on areas of the body that stretch and move a lot will need stitches more often than those on areas that do not move as much. For example, a wound on the forearm will not move as much as a wound on the calf.
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Can It Be Stitched?This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoVerywell / Todd FergusonLacerations, punctures, and incisions are all suturable wounds (they can be stitched). Avulsions that still have a flap of skin attached may also be suturable. Complete avulsions and abrasions cannot be stitched, but you still may need a healthcare provider to treat the wound if it’s serious enough.To determine if stitches are needed, look at three things:Depth: Is the wound deep enough to see the subcutaneous tissue (which is yellowish and fatty)? If so, the wound is deep enough to get stitches, but it still may not need them.Width: Can the wound be pulled closed easily? If the wound is gaping and cannot be easily pinched closed, then it will need stitches to hold it closed long enough to heal correctly.Location: Wounds on areas of the body that stretch and move a lot will need stitches more often than those on areas that do not move as much. For example, a wound on the forearm will not move as much as a wound on the calf.
Can It Be Stitched?
Lacerations, punctures, and incisions are all suturable wounds (they can be stitched). Avulsions that still have a flap of skin attached may also be suturable. Complete avulsions and abrasions cannot be stitched, but you still may need a healthcare provider to treat the wound if it’s serious enough.
To determine if stitches are needed, look at three things:
5Tetanus Immunization StatusHailshadow / Getty ImagesThe final—but not least—concern is how long it’s been since yourlast tetanus vaccination. A booster tetanus shot is recommended every 10 years unless you get a dirty wound.Ultimately, if you’re concerned about the wound and unsure whether it needs professional attention, then see a healthcare provider.
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Tetanus Immunization StatusHailshadow / Getty ImagesThe final—but not least—concern is how long it’s been since yourlast tetanus vaccination. A booster tetanus shot is recommended every 10 years unless you get a dirty wound.Ultimately, if you’re concerned about the wound and unsure whether it needs professional attention, then see a healthcare provider.
Tetanus Immunization Status
Hailshadow / Getty Images
The final—but not least—concern is how long it’s been since yourlast tetanus vaccination. A booster tetanus shot is recommended every 10 years unless you get a dirty wound.
Ultimately, if you’re concerned about the wound and unsure whether it needs professional attention, then see a healthcare provider.
Summary
Getting stitches means having a wound sewn closed with a special medical thread. This procedure can help an open wound heal and may minimize scarring.
2 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Proper Wound Care: How to Minimize a Scar.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tetanus vaccination.
2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Proper Wound Care: How to Minimize a Scar.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tetanus vaccination.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Proper Wound Care: How to Minimize a Scar.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tetanus vaccination.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Proper Wound Care: How to Minimize a Scar.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tetanus vaccination.
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