What should you know about a wound without stitches?

A clinician may choose not to stitch a wound if the edges lie together, the cut is superficial, or another closure method is more suitable. Adhesive strips or skin glue can support selected wounds. In other situations, a wound is cleaned and covered but left open because closing it could trap contamination. This is a clinical decision based on the injury rather than a sign that the wound is unimportant.

An open wound repairs itself by forming new tissue from the base and edges. That process needs a clean, protected environment and can require dressing changes while the wound closes.

Follow the dressing plan you were given. Keep the wound clean, avoid soaking it until advised, and change a wet, dirty or loose dressing using clean hands. Do not apply powders, creams or antiseptics inside the wound unless a clinician has recommended them. Protect the area from rubbing and avoid activities that stretch the skin edges.

Check the wound during dressing changes. A small amount of clear or blood-stained fluid can occur early, but increasing tenderness, redness that spreads away from the wound, warmth, swelling, bad-smelling drainage or fever needs medical advice.

Get prompt medical assessment if a wound is gaping, deep, contaminated, from a bite, or has material such as glass or gravel in it. Seek emergency care for bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure, loss of sensation, weakness, or an injury near the eye. Return for review if a managed wound opens further, develops worsening pain or shows signs of infection. Tetanus protection may need to be considered after some injuries.

Ask what closure method, if any, was used; when the first dressing should be changed; and whether you may shower, exercise or work normally. Ask which symptoms suggest infection and whether your tetanus vaccinations are up to date for the type of injury.