Does a shallow cut on the wrist require stitches?

Whether suturing is required after a wrist cut depends on the depth of the wound and the bleeding situation. If it is only a minor injury to the epidermis with minimal bleeding, suturing is usually not necessary. However, when the wound is deep, bleeding is significant, or there are signs of infection, it is necessary for a doctor to perform debridement and decide whether surgical treatment is required based on the specific situation.

For minor skin surface injuries without obvious bleeding or tissue defects, the wound can usually heal by itself. Generally, within 2 to 3 days, the wound will form a scab and fall off. In this case, iodophor can be used to disinfect the wound, followed by the application of erythromycin ointment or other drugs to prevent infection.

If the wrist is cut or crushed by a sharp object, causing damage to the dermis or deeper muscles, there may be significant bleeding and even pain. In this case, immediate medical attention should be sought, and a professional surgeon should examine the wound to determine if there are tendon ruptures or vascular and nerve injuries. If the wound is severely torn or has exposed ends, immediate hemostatic measures such as compression or pressure dressing should be taken. The doctor will remove necrotic tissue under sterile conditions, use hydrogen peroxide to flush the wound, and perform thorough debridement. If necessary, a drainage strip may be placed to promote the drainage of abscesses. For severe wounds, primary repair may be required, and regular dressing changes are needed after surgery to prevent infection.

In daily life, it is very important to keep the wound clean and dry, avoiding contact with water to prevent bacterial growth. Dietarily, foods rich in protein such as eggs and milk can be consumed to help the body recover. The care and recovery of wounds require our careful attention to ensure smooth healing and reduce the occurrence of complications.