Sutures used in closing a wound closed can be absorbable (dissolvable stitches) or the type that requires removal.

Stitches, or sutures, help your body with wound healing by controlling bleeding, making it difficult for bacteria to enter and cause an infection, and ensuring tissues on each side of the incision stay together so they can reconnect.

Although stitches and sutures are widely referred to as one and the same, in medical terms they are actually two different things.

• Sutures are the threads or strands used to close a wound.
• “Stitches” (stitching) refers to the actual process of closing the wound. However, “suturing” is often used to mean stitching.

A suture can be absorbable—“dissolvable stitches” is what they’re commonly called—or nonabsorbable (must be removed). The type used for suturing your wound will depend on a number of factors that the treating medical professional will consider.

Do I need stitches?

If you’re concerned thatsuturing will be needed to treat your wound, the best course of action is to seek a qualified medical evaluation. Here are some situations in which stitches may be warranted:

• The cut is more than a ¼ inch deep
• The cut is more than ¾ inch long
• The cut is jagged or gaping
• The cut doesn’t stop bleeding after 20 minutes of firmly applied pressure
• The cut is over a joint, like an elbow, knee, or knuckle, and keeps opening
• The wound is anywhere on your faceor other area where scarring may be an issue
• The cut leaves behind a loose flap of skin
• The object that caused the cut or debris is stuck in the opening,

Stitches, Sutures and Other Urgent Care for Lacerations,Cuts

Wound treatment is available even when your doctor isn’t.

When you need wound carefor a cut or laceration, walk into any HealthMed Urgent Care clinic without an appointment and receive prompt, expert attention from skilled clinicians for non-life- or limb-threatening injuries. Stitches may be needed to close your wound, and can be performed at any HealthMed location. We’re qualified to evaluate and treat cuts and lacerations that are more than you can handle at home, without the waiting and expense of a hospital emergency room.

We also:

• Treat non-life-threatening illness
• Treat injuries and accidents (bruises, insect/animal bites, minor burns, concussions, minor eye injuries, for example)
• Treat fractures, sprains, minor broken bones (fingers and toes)
• Treat occupational injuries (Worker’s Compensation)
• Offer preventive services such as vaccines and immunizations (flu shots and health screenings, including physical exams for playing sports)