[joojams]

Can someone explain to me how you can tell if you need to get stitches when you've cut?

I'm not sure?

Any help would be appreciated!!

Thanks

[tealBumblebee]

I'm not an expert but I think if the wound doesn't stop bleeding after a few minutes of applied pressure, or the gap in the laceration is large enough that you need to literally pull it together then you should go to a doctor for stitches. I CAN say though that, there is a time limit before they will do stitches at all (higher risk of infection to stitch after that because the infection could get trapped inside the wound), so you should see a doctor as soon as possible if that is the case. In many instances, stitches are a manner or helping the skin align nicely and to avoid excessive scarring.

[Atypical_Disaster]

Trigger warning for graphic discussion about cuts...



As a general rule, if a cut is gaping open(ie it doesn't close on its own), odds are you might need stitches. Also, if you've cut through more than just skin, ie, there's fat, tendons, or muscles showing, then you definitely need stitches. Also, if you can't stop the bleeding, that's another warning sign for sure.

If you need stitches I implore you to go get them. My arms are completely disfigured from years of cutting severely and never getting stitches.

Be safe.

[katelyn1019]

If the wound doesn't stop bleeding, if the wound doesn't close on its own.

[CrazyGirl6371]

Depending on where you cut, the wound may bleed for a while. The last time I cut, it took quite a while for it to stop bleeding.
If the wound isn't closing on its own, it will need stitches. Use your discretion. If you feel like - if you've cut before - it is different from your other cuts that haven't needed stitches, you should probably get them!
Also, this is just an extra thing being thrown in here, but I feel like it's necessary. If a cut is deep enough that you have to wonder if it needs stitches, not only does it probably require them, but be mindful of infections. Like tetanus, depending on what you've used and how well you cleaned it - or didn't clean it - before cutting!

[ScarletPimpernel]

Like crazygirl said, be careful of tetanus. If your method of SI pierces the skin in any way, a suggestion would to be kept up to date with your tetanus shots. I think they last like 7 yrs. This is why it's important to have open communication with your treatment team.

[Tommo]

Originally Posted by Atypical_Disaster

Trigger warning for graphic discussion about cuts...



As a general rule, if a cut is gaping open(ie it doesn't close on its own), odds are you might need stitches. Also, if you've cut through more than just skin, ie, there's fat, tendons, or muscles showing, then you definitely need stitches. Also, if you can't stop the bleeding, that's another warning sign for sure.

If you need stitches I implore you to go get them. My arms are completely disfigured from years of cutting severely and never getting stitches.

Be safe.

Ick! I get queasy easy!

[Mike_J]

I would say if in doubt get stitches. I got very good at using "butterfly closures" to keep my scars from getting to out of control. Just an FYI I have been SI free for over 3 years. And if you do go to get stitches and you don't want to get locked up in the Psych Hospital, then I hate to say this lie about how you got cut.

[likewater]

Yeah. If you are asking if you need stitches, you probably need stitches.