Question 1

finger laceration had 6 stitches. flap came up after removal. a steristrip fell off after 10 days. flap is open with fatty tissue. who should i see?

Accepted Answer

Hand surgeon: May be more complicated after initial attempt at closure, so should see an expert (=hand surgeon).

Question 2

how long does it usually take for swelling/discomfort to subside and mobility to improve after a finger laceration (palm side of hand) that requires stitches? got stitches and splint yesterday. splint comes off today, but stitches not til next week?

Accepted Answer

: Two to three weeks on the average. Good Luck

Question 3

do i need stitches if i cut my finger?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If it is a fresh cut (lac) and when you close (approximate) the edges the are better held together than without tension. Often we use a butterfly bandage or steri-strips on fingers and small lacs. Make sure it's clean and tetanus up to date.

Question 4

i cut my finger last night and not sure if i need stitches ?

Accepted Answer

The basics: When you cannot stop blood flow, the wound gapes, is over a knuckle or exceeds a cm in length it may need a stitch. If blood flow stops, it is not in a troublesome site, is small, it likely does not. Generally stitches need to be put in within a day to work, if not you let it close on its own. Good clean out is important as is a tetanus shot within 10 yrs.

Question 5

i just cut my finger at work as at 11:30 pm et . it is now3:34 am et i wanted to know how i know whether to get stitches or not?

Accepted Answer

Go to urgent care/ER: It's best to have a medical evaluation in urgent care or ER. The depth of the cut would be an important predictor of the need for stitches. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000043.htm , http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000498.htm

Question 6

i cut my finger on saturday and got stitches and a bandage. how would i know if it is infected or not? i was suppose to get antibio but i cant afford

Accepted Answer

Laceration: your doctor must have felt that this laceration was at high risk of infection.  That is why antibiotics were given in a the first place. Signs of infection include redness, increased warmth, purulent drainage, swelling, increased pain.  The wisest thing to do is get the antibiotics as prescribed.  You maybe less likely to be able to afford the complications of a bad infection!

Question 7

i cut my finger with a knife.. i got stitches and they are out now but my finger still hurts and when i move it the skin separates still... do i need more stitches?

Accepted Answer

Probably not: Delayed restitching of a wound following removal of the original stitches is typically not done as it can increase the chances of wound infection.  Sounds like you should probably follow up with your primary dr or whoever put the stitches in to make sure the wound is healing appropriately and is not infected.

Question 8

i cut my finger at work and had it wrapped. it was still bleeding at the time. i would like to know if i will need stitches.

Accepted Answer

It depends : On the size of the cut the depth and the time passed since it happened but in general most cuts will heal on their own if they are immobilized so they don't recurrently open and close

Question 9

cut finger on metal 24 hrs ago. tetanus ok, washed, doesn't look infected. very tiny bit blood when change bandage. normal healing or need stitches?

Accepted Answer

Mgt: If the cut is open and not healing well,  then I would advise having it checked. There are steri strips which  can help to close the edges of the wound. Neosporin can be used after the area is cleaned gently to decrease healing time.

Question 10

cut my finger on a sharp place on one of my teeth.. i don't think it's big enough to need stitches but it's deep enough that it doesn't want to close?

Accepted Answer

My word: This can be quite serious.  See your General a Physician, ER, or Urgent Care NOW.  Finger laceration caused by jagged, and probably infected, tooth can be difficult to treat if ignored.  Please abandon "self diagnosis" and see a pro who's trained to make the proper treatment decision.  Also your broken tooth needs immediate attention. You're overdue for a Dental review.  Go now.

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Doctor answers about:

Cut my finger do I need stitches

A member asked:

Finger laceration had 6 stitches. flap came up after removal. a steristrip fell off after 10 days. flap is open with fatty tissue. who should i see?

A member asked:

How long does it usually take for swelling/discomfort to subside and mobility to improve after a finger laceration (palm side of hand) that requires stitches? got stitches and splint yesterday. splint comes off today, but stitches not til next week?

A member asked:

Do i need stitches if i cut my finger?

A member asked:

I cut my finger last night and not sure if i need stitches ?

A member asked:

I just cut my finger at work as at 11:30 pm et . it is now3:34 am et i wanted to know how i know whether to get stitches or not?

A member asked:

I cut my finger on saturday and got stitches and a bandage. how would i know if it is infected or not? i was suppose to get antibio but i cant afford

A member asked:

I cut my finger with a knife.. i got stitches and they are out now but my finger still hurts and when i move it the skin separates still... do i need more stitches?

A member asked:

I cut my finger at work and had it wrapped. it was still bleeding at the time. i would like to know if i will need stitches.

A member asked:

Cut finger on metal 24 hrs ago. tetanus ok, washed, doesn't look infected. very tiny bit blood when change bandage. normal healing or need stitches?

A member asked:

Cut my finger on a sharp place on one of my teeth.. i don't think it's big enough to need stitches but it's deep enough that it doesn't want to close?

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