Let’s be real: No one wants to hear the words, “You’re going to need stitches.” But cuts happen. Whether it’s a kitchen accident, a bike accident, or something far less glamorous, sometimes your body needs a little extra help to calm down.

The good news? Points are not suitable for everyone. Doctors have several tricks up their sleeves to help the skin heal safely, with as little scarring as possible.

Stitches vs sutures: what’s the difference?

You’ve probably heard people say “stitches” and “sutures” as if they mean the same thing. Technically, sutures are the medical threads used to sew the skin together, and points they are the actual loops or ligatures made from the wire.

Types of Points (and Why They Matter)

Doctors don’t just take any wires and needles. They use specific materials depending on where the wound is located and how deep it is.

“Sutures are soluble and nonsoluble,” says Naghmeh Pirsaharkhizlangroudi, MD, surgeon at UVA Health.

• Instant points they are made of special materials that your body breaks down on its own
• Non-soluble stitches they must be removed by a provider once the wound has healed.

Each type has pros and cons, and the doctor chooses based on the location of the wound, the tension and the risk of infection.

Non-soluble stitches are made of nylon and silk. “For skin wounds, however, we never use silk,” notes Pirsaharkhizlangroudi.

But wait: what about paper clips or glue?

• Paper clips: Yes, real basic medical products. They are fast, strong, and often used for scalp wounds or large cuts where speed matters (like in the emergency room).
• Glue for leather: Basically a medical grade super glue that holds the edges of small, clean cuts together. It’s quick, painless and disappears on its own. You can purchase some at your local pharmacy.

When do you need stitches?

Not all cuts require a trip to the emergency room. Some signs that you probably need stitches:

• The cut is half an inch deep, open, or longer.
• It continues to bleed even after applying pressure.
• You can see fat, muscle or bone.
• It’s on your face, where scars are a concern.

If it is shallow and stops bleeding on its own, you may be able to clean it, bandage it, and let it heal without stitches.

What happens if you skip stitches?

Leaving a deep cut open can slow healing, increase scarring, and increase the risk of infection. Long-term problems can arise if the wound does not close properly.

Can you just DIY with a sewing needle?

No. Regular needle and thread (like the ones in your sewing kit) are not sterile, are not designed for skin, and could cause a nasty infection. A real one suture needle It is curved, sterile and made for medical use. Please leave this to the professionals.

Can stitches stay too long?

Yes. If non-soluble stitches are left on too long, they can leave extra scarring or even become embedded in the skin. That’s why doctors usually make an appointment for removal within one to two weeks, depending on the location of the wound.

In conclusion: Whether it’s dissolvable stitches, nylon sutures, silk sutures, or even staples, the goal is always to help the skin heal quickly and cleanly. If you’re not sure whether a cut needs stitches, get it checked out.