Have you ever had hemorrhoid? Do you know someone who has? Have you ever needed stitches done on a wound you were cutting? The answers to both of those questions are likely “yes” because hemorrhoids and cuts can happen at any time.
Hemorrhoids and cuts are caused by the swelling of swollen veins in the anal area. When you have an inflamed or swollen vein, it is called a thrombosed vein, a procedure that requires stitches. When you have bleeding from a cut or an open wound, you most likely have a fissure (raccoon bite) or a laceration (dog bite). Those types of wounds will heal without stitches, but if you have a deep enough laceration the healing will be much more difficult. Both of these situations are good reasons to take some precautions when handling a rusty object, sewing with a sewing needle, poking yourself with a needle, or cutting yourself with scissors.
Not all wounds require stitches. In fact, most cuts and abrasions heal without needing stitches. But when you have cuts, lacerations, abrasions, or foreign objects lodged in your body you may need stitches to close off the area. When you have an open wound, this is especially important because a bandage only covers up the visible part of the wound while the real problem lies under the bandage. Your healthcare provider will be able to assess which type of wound you have and how deep the problem goes before they place you on treatment for stitches.
Some stitches are easier than others to use. Keratin dressings and sutures for example are often recommended for less aggressive injuries because they are not as deep. Wound dressing or plaster is more difficult to work with and requires several weeks of training for patients who are just learning to use them. The type of bandage or dressing you get will depend on what kind of stitches you need.
As we near the holiday’s many people ask when do you need stitches for a scar or injured area? Typically, you will receive a bandage in December or January depending on the month that you received the injury. A bandage will allow the wound to breathe and help it heal. Bandages are not used during November and December as the cold weather can make your wound and scar appear worse.
One thing that is important to know when learning when you need stitches for a laceration is that they will be more prominent during the night. This is due to the increased activity during the holidays. Lacerations are prone to infection, especially if they are below the surface, and tend to bruise more easily. If you have severe lacerations and cannot see them, it is best to let them heal without medical intervention. You should always follow your doctor’s instructions for any lacerations so that you do not further damage your skin.
It is important to know when you need stitches for a scar or laceration in December so that you do not delay treatment. The scare of December is worse than any other month as it is possible to have a severe infection if the wound is not treated quickly. Also, as the holidays approach you may have a difficult time trying to get medical attention for your wound. Many medical professionals tend to do “canned” treatments in December. This means that they will take the necessary steps to heal the scarring without giving you the chance to discuss any other options.
As you can see, there are a variety of reasons why your stitches for lacerations may be urgent. If you are interested in getting them before their time is up, it is important to talk with your medical professional about any other options that you have. It may be wise to wait until the month of December so that your lacerations heal completely and you do not risk having new blood vessels or keloids from an open wound. There are also a number of ways that you can treat your stitches quickly including taking aspirin, drinking fluids, and applying ice.