Stitches
Depending on stitches nature, you can treat your wounds at home or you might require a consultation, sometimes urgently. Here are some tips to properly assess the severity of wounds, treat them and protect them, in order to promote good healing. A deep wound that keeps bleeding is a dramatic experience for most people. Some cuts that look dramatic first need a little more than a bandage, while others that don’t look so bad don’t need it. After an injury occurs, stop and take a deep breath before assessing the situation.
When you need Sutures (Stitches) for Cuts?
Sometimes, it is easy to tell when some types of injuries require stitches. A cut to the face does not necessarily require stitches, but it may require a surgeon or a doctor to do so in order to reduce the risk of scarring. Deep cuts or sores on the neck must be sewn, Medical Centers advises that a cut that is longer than 1/2 inch may also require stitches. A deep cut that occurs on a common area such as the knee or elbow may also need a doctor to pick, since a bandage will not be able to keep it closed.
What to look for?
Even a shortcut can require stitches if you can see the entire inner body structures. If you see something yellow, it could be a layer of fat; dark red flesh could be muscular and any white could be tendon or bone. Basically, if you see something deeper than the top few layers of the skin, you will need stitches. You may be able to say that you cut the skin deeply this right after the injury, or you may need to slow the blood flow to the gauze pressure first, depending on the severity of the injury.
If you are dealing with a cut that is deep or long enough to bleed a little, try to stop the bleeding on your own. Press cloth or gauze on the wound. It is recommended that you keep constant pressure on the wound while you position the site of the lesion above your heart. For example, if you cut your leg, lie down and raise your leg on a cushion or stool. Check the injury after 10 minutes of constant pressure. If the bleeding has stopped, you probably need a bandage.
Cuts that don’t require stitches:
A cut that does not require stitches still needs to be cleaned. After the blood has stopped flowing, wash the wound with soap and water. Apply a topical antibiotic and cover the wound with a large antibiotic bandage. Keep the wound dry and high if possible. Even if the wound is shallow, you will need to consult a doctor if the debris, such as glass, sand or gravel, is trapped in the skin and do not wash with soap or water, as these objects could lead to infection. If the cut was caused by rusty metal or an animal bite, call your doctor’s office; getting a tetanus shot within 48 hours of getting this type of injury can reduce the risk of infection.
When should I remove Sutures (Stitches)
The removal of the threads is performed on the wound almost or completely healed between 5 days to 15 days after being sewn back on. In principle, we count:
- 5 days for the face,
- 10 to 15 days for the upper limb and scalp
- 15 to 21 days for the lower limb.
It all depends on the location of the scar, the thickness of the scar and the tension on both edges of the wound. Leaving the sutures too long can cause poor healing.
Who removes the stitches?
Unless you have received specific training, do not remove the wires or have them removed by anyone, but entrust this task to:
- Physician
- Nurse.
- The surgeon who operated on you when the wound has been significant or requires follow-up.
Wounds That Re-Open After Closure:
Wound edges must remain well united. During a suture release, some or all of the stitches may no longer ensure the cohesion of the edges. The use of sterile adhesive, in addition to the threads already present, can remedy this when the release remains partial, but a medical consultation is recommended with your doctor.
Taking care of your wound after a skin procedure with sutures:
If from the 21st day onwards, the contraction of a shallow wound is complete, the minimum healing time of a deeper wound (after an operation or accident for example) is from a few weeks to 3 months. Red and thin, the scar will take more than a year to remodel, soften and brighten. For 2 to 3 days the skin around the scar is red, swollen, painful and warm.
Protect your wound with a bandage:
It is up to the doctor following you to decide. But they will certainly not agree to let the wound air dry and crust. To avoid infection, you will need to cover the wound with a bandage, if possible sterile, to keep it in a moist environment, which will activate tissue regeneration. Avoid conventional bandage, opt for hydro-cellular bandages or a self-adhesive silicone bandage or gel silicone, which moisturizes the scar and protects it against external aggression. Depending on the instructions given by the nursing staff, you will change your bandage every two-three or four days. Until the threads are removed nursing care should be provided every 2 to 3 days: cleaning the scar with saline solution and applying a bandage. Avoid wetting the wound and bandage.
Taking care of your wound after removal of the bandage:
Once the threads or staples are removed, there is no longer any need for a bandage. The wound is normally closed, the scar pink but closed. From then on, it is recommended that you massage your scar regularly to help the skin recover more quickly, reduce the appearance of your scar, improve the suppleness of your skin, break scar adhesions and reduce possible edema. For your scar massages, you can use a greasy substance (Vaseline type) or a gel designed to help reduce scars.
You have to be careful to massage gently, the goal is not to hurt yourself. If you want to go in the sun, the best UV protection for your scar is… to stay in the shade! It should not be forgotten that brand new skin cells are not equipped to defend themselves against UV rays (melanin), and depending on the type, location, size of your scar, it may never be. It is therefore important to limit the exposure of your scar to the sun as much as possible.
Taking care of your scar:
A normal scar is thin red, painless and non-irritating. Then it turns from red to pink and turns white. After a year or two, you only see a simple line just a little clearer. During the first few months, a small bead around the scar may appear. Don’t worry, this bulge will disappear on its own. Even if you heal well and your scar” is normal, take some precautions: do not rub the healed area, dry it carefully after bathing or showering. As long as the scar is red or pink, which can last from 6 months to 3 years, depending on the case, do not expose it to the sun.
Because if it tans, its pigmentation will be permanent, which can be unsightly, especially on the face. In the first days after the operation an abscess can occur in the scar. Then the scar turns red and painful, and you have a fever. Notify your surgeon immediately. He will ensure that the pus is evacuated by leaving a drain in place for a few days until the end of the flow. You will also need to clean your scar with an antiseptic
Make sure to eat well!
Malnutrition can cause delayed healing. By eating a balanced diet, you improve your healing potential. So now is not the time to follow a strict diet!
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