If you are bleeding excessively from a nasty gash, see a doctor who will assess your wound based on its location, size and severity, your age, and any comorbidities. Stitching may be done for lacerations longer than 5cm, as the thread helps to hold the skin together, lowers chances of bleeding and infection, and minimises scars.

WHAT HAPPENS IN A STITCHING PROCEDURE?

1. Your skin around the laceration will be disinfected with antiseptic.
2. Normal saline or water may be used to remove foreign matter and bacteria when there is a high risk of infection.
3. Your hair may be trimmed to help with wound visualisation. Current evidence recommends NOT shaving the hair around the laceration as this increases the risk of contamination, as debris may fall into the wound.
4. Debris or foreign objects are generally removed by the care team using appropriate equipment to control any possible bleeding.

DO I NEED TO TAKE ANTIBIOTICS?

For high-risk (e.g. bite wounds, excessive contamination, immunocompromised state) lacerations with signs of infection, antibiotics may be given.

When there are no obvious dirt, infection, or bone or tendon complications, there is no need to take prophylactic antibiotics. Taking antibiotics for uncomplicated lacerations results in increased antimicrobial resistance, and exposure to side-effects, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and abdominal pain.

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY STITCHES?

1. Follow the doctor’s instructions on how long you need to keep your wound dry, and whether you need to keep a dressing on.
2. It is normal for stitches to cause some redness or itch. Check the wound daily for signs of infection, such as red streaks, increased swelling, pus or pain.
3. Clean the wound with clean water. Do not scrub or soak the wound.
4. Change your dressing regularly, or if it gets wet or dirty.
5. Your doctor will inform you when to have your stitches removed. You may feel a tugging sensation, but it should not hurt.

Ouch! Does my wound need stitches?