Posted by medlib on August 23, 2000, at 19:05:51
In reply to so, uh, should I get sutures?, posted by Vesper on August 23, 2000, at 0:23:20
> How bad does a cut have to be to get sutures? My gf beat on me and I of course had to continue the abuse on my own. It isn't bleeding uncontrollably, but it's wide and kinda deep...
> thanks
> VesperVesper--
Sorry to hear of your troubles. Docs often are reluctant or unwilling to suture cuts more than a few hours old, or those which have stopped bleeding, for fear of sealing in pathogens which could result in infection. You *may* be able to get the latest protocol on this with a phone call--if not from the local ER, maybe from your nearest doc-in-a-box or an Ask-a Nurse call line.
I recommend professional evaluation for a wound of any size or depth. But if you get a "no, we won't suture" and decide not to go in, I'm including some first aid tips below. Please skip them if you a) know this already, b) dislike unasked-for advice, or c) go in for treatment.
You will need lots of hydrogen peroxide, sterile gauze pads large enough to cover the whole wound, antibiotic ointment, and tape. If you have a sort-of-deep gash with intact skin margins, steristrips or butterfly closures applied across the wound can hold the edges together. Wash hands, clean wound with peroxide. Pat dry with sterile gauze and apply steristrips , if appropriate. (Do not use strips if skin on edges of cut is abraded.) Then apply Ab ointment to a fresh gauze pad, cover wound and tape. (It helps to tear off strips of tape and hang them from a nearby edge before you begin.) *Important!!* Check wound daily--if intact skin margins become reddened or swollen, infection is present and should be treated professionally. Clean and redress wound if dressing becomes wet, or "bleeds through". If it seems to be healing well, change bandage at least every other day.
(BTW, you can minimize skin trauma from tape removal by gently pulling the skin in the direction opposite to the tape "tear".)Hope this helps, or, failing that, that it doesn't seriously annoy. Take care, Vesper--you are worth take care of.
Well wishes--medlib
poster:medlib
thread:173
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20000813/msgs/195.html