Situations that need immediate attention from a doctor

In some cases the patient should immediately go to the emergency room. These cases include:

• Persons with diabetes
• Animal or human bites (this refers to open wounds, not just bruises from biting)
• Dirt that won't come out of the wound
• Inability to close the edges of the wound
• Uncontrolled bleeding

Evaluating other wounds

Stitches are used primarily for two reasons.

#1: To prevent scarring
 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, then stitches may be needed to reduce scarring. You should consult a doctor or visit the ER if you are concerned about scarring.

 #2: To close a wound, which will promote healing and discourage infection.

There are several types of open wounds that require stitches. These are lacerations, punctures and torn sections of skin, either a flap of skin open on three sides or skin that is torn away completely. To determine if stitches are needed, look at three things:

Depth. Is the wound deep enough to see the subcutaneous tissue (yellowish fatty tissue)? If so, the wound is deep enough to get stitches.

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, so a forearm wound may not necessarily require stitches.

Finally, (and this is an important point) with a deep cut there is one more thing should be taken into consideration. Tetanus shots are not effective after more than 5 years. If it's been longer than five years since your child’s last tetanus shot, then you should take your child to see a doctor. While you're there, you might as well have the wound evaluated for stitches. Ultimately, if you are concerned about the wound and are not sure, then it’s best to see a doctor.

LEGAL: THIS ARTICLE IS NOT INTENDED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. PLEASE BE SURE TO SEEK THE ADVICE OF A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL BEFORE ADMINISTERING ANY MEDICAL CARE.