A cut may need stitches if it is deep, large, or located in an area where it is difficult for the skin to heal on its own. Typically, stitches are required when the cut is longer than about half an inch, if the edges of the wound don’t naturally come together, or if the wound is caused by a sharp object or trauma that results in significant skin separation.
Other signs that stitches may be needed include heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop after applying pressure for several minutes or wounds that involve delicate areas like the face or joints, where healing needs to be more precise. If you’re unsure, it’s important to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can assess the wound and determine whether stitches or another form of closure, like adhesive strips or skin glue, is appropriate for proper healing.
Children often get bruises, scrapes, and cuts. While many minor cuts can be easily treated at home by cleaning the wound and applying a bandage, it’s essential to recognize when a cut might require medical attention or stitches.
When a Cut Might Need Stitches
Your child may need stitches if the cut:
- Continues to bleed after applying pressure for 5 minutes.
- Is gaping or wide.
- Appears deep.
- Is located on the face, lips, or neck.
- Contains glass or other debris.
- Has an object stuck in it, such as a twig.
- Is spurting blood.
If a cut is spurting blood, it may indicate damage to an artery. Apply immediate pressure with a clean cloth and seek urgent medical care at an emergency room or clinic.
Deciding If Stitches Are Needed
These guidelines can help assess if a cut requires stitches, but only a healthcare professional can make the final decision. If you’re unsure, it’s best to consult a doctor at a clinic or emergency room.
Caring for Stitches
Once your child has stitches, it’s crucial to prevent infection. Doctors thoroughly clean the wound, and at home, you should monitor it carefully during the healing process.
Check the wound daily. Mild redness around the area is normal, but call the doctor if you notice:
- Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling (early signs of infection).
- Red streaks extending from the wound.
- Pus draining from the cut.
- The wound edges starting to separate.
- New pain or fever in your child.
- Stitches coming loose or the wound reopening.
Stitch Removal and Healing
A healthcare provider will remove the stitches after the appropriate healing time, which depends on the type and location of the cut. In some cases, doctors may place adhesive strips (butterfly bandages or steri-strips) over the stitches to provide extra support. These strips will typically loosen and fall off after a few days.
Even cuts treated with stitches often leave small scars. This happens because, when the deeper layer of skin is damaged, the body produces collagen to fill the wound, creating a scar. Most scars gradually fade and become less noticeable over time.