Why is surgical sutures used in wound suturing?

A clinician may close a cut when its edges will not stay together on their own or when alignment can help healing. Sutures, often called stitches, pass through the skin or deeper tissue to share tension across the wound. This can protect the developing repair from movement and reduce the open space where fluid may collect. Suture material and technique are selected according to the wound site, tissue involved and the amount of support required.

Keep the area clean and follow the instructions for bathing, dressings and activity. Avoid stretching the wound or picking at knots and scabs. A little soreness or mild bruising can occur after closure, but the trend should be toward comfort rather than increasing pain. Some stitches dissolve; others need removal by a clinician. Attend the advised follow-up because removal timing varies with the body area and the nature of the wound.

Seek prompt medical advice if the wound reopens, bleeding continues, a stitch breaks, or the area becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen or painful. Pus, an unpleasant smell, fever or feeling unwell also warrants assessment. Urgent care is needed for loss of movement or sensation beyond the injury, a deep or heavily contaminated cut, or a wound caused by an animal or human bite.

Ask whether the stitches dissolve, how the wound should be protected during washing, which activities could pull on it, and when a review or removal is planned. You can also ask whether your tetanus vaccination status should be checked.