How do I to determine when a cut needs stitches?

All wounds should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water. Some — such as punctures, particularly dirty or extensive wounds or ones involving loss of function in the affected area — may need medical evaluation.

Some wounds require mechanical closure such as sutures, steristrip bandages or glue. Criteria for mechanical closure include the following:

• Any bleeding that cannot be stopped with pressure applied to the wound for five to 10 minutes.
  
  
• Wounds that are located in areas of skin which may stretch and reopen the wound (i.e. over the outside of the elbow or backs of the fingers).
  
  
• Areas of skin subject to pressure or impact and which may be hard to bandage (i.e. palm side of hand).
  
  
• Particularly dirty wounds that may require debridement (extensive cleaning and removal of dead tissue), a tetanus shot or possibly treatment with antibiotics. Some of these wounds are best left open.

The best method of wound closure is determined by the medical provider after evaluation of the injury site.

When you have an employee with a cut that may require sutures or other medical attention:

• Call Workplace Health for a quick consultation to determine the best course of action. Many wounds can be sutured right away at Workplace Health by one of our providers.
  
  
• If the injury is extensive, we may refer your employee directly to MaineGeneral Medical Center's emergency department (ED).
  
  If this happens we will notify the ED and call you with an update on the treatment and any restrictions.