Types of stitches for cuts

Simple interrupted stitches use separate knots, so one stitch can be adjusted or removed without disturbing the others. A continuous stitch uses one running thread and can close a longer, straight wound efficiently. Buried or deep stitches sit beneath the surface to support deeper tissue, while surface stitches bring the skin edges together.

A clinician considers how clean the cut is, when it happened, whether tissue is missing, and whether nerves, tendons, blood vessels, or a joint may be involved. Cuts on the face, hands, feet, or across a joint can need particularly careful assessment.

Follow the instructions for keeping the dressing dry or changing it, and wash your hands before touching the area. Protect the wound from pulling, soaking, and unnecessary friction. Do not trim or pull a thread, even if a knot feels loose.

Keep the follow-up or removal appointment because the timing depends on the wound's site and depth. Wound Care and Dressing advice can support healing. Local anaesthetic such as Lidocaine Local Anaesthetic may be used during repair, so tell the clinician about previous reactions.

Seek medical review if the cut separates, bleeding returns, pain worsens, or the surrounding skin becomes increasingly red, warm, swollen, or drains pus. Loss of feeling or difficulty moving a nearby finger, toe, limb, or joint needs prompt assessment.

Get urgent care for uncontrolled bleeding, a deep or heavily contaminated cut, an injury from a bite, or a cut with a visible foreign object. Ask about Tetanus Vaccination when the injury involved dirt, a puncture, or uncertain vaccination history.

Ask which stitch pattern was used, whether any stitches are beneath the skin, how to protect the area, and when removal or review is due. You can ask whether Wound Suturing or Surgical Sutures information applies to your repair.