How do I know if I need stitches?

**michael** · 2nd March 2009, 14:23

Sorry this is completely off topic but I figured if there's any group who'd have experience with stitches it'd be bikers. I cut my hand about 5-10mm deep and about 2-3cm across. So I cleaned in out and tried to bite the flappy bit of flesh off. I got concerned when I gave it a decent bite and it was too thick to bite off. So bandaged it twice with plasters and it bled through both the plasters. Now I got cloth wrapped around it. Should I bother going to a GP over something so small, or is there a chance it will get infected? Its been bleeding now for about an hour (I took off the cloth to see if it was still wet). My main concern however is fitting my hands into my gloves!!!!!

**3umph** · 2nd March 2009, 14:24

Originally Posted by michael

Sorry this is completely off topic but I figured if there's any group who'd have experience with stitches it'd be bikers. I cut my hand about 5-10mm deep and about 2-3cm across. So I cleaned in out and tried to bite the flappy bit of flesh off. I got concerned when I gave it a decent bite and it was too thick to bite off. So bandaged it twice with plasters and it bled through both the plasters. Now I got cloth wrapped around it. Should I bother going to a GP over something so small, or is there a chance it will get infected? Its been bleeding now for about an hour (I took off the cloth to see if it was still wet). My main concern however is fitting my hands into my gloves!!!!!

Blood and gaw.... NEED PICS!!!!

**michael** · 2nd March 2009, 14:25

I knew I came to the right place for advice

**vifferman** · 2nd March 2009, 14:27

If it's not closing up, and it's still bleeding, I'd say stitches were advised.

**Spuds1234** · 2nd March 2009, 14:28

Get it checked out. If it hasnt stopped bleeding yet you probably will be needing help with it.

Post up pics of it before and after you go to the gp though.

**ManDownUnder** · 2nd March 2009, 14:28

Yeah I'd get it looked at. Especially if using your hand (either clenching a fist, or opening it out) makes the wound "open up". I figure it'll need some help staying closed to heal...

I'd raise the issue of infection as well...

**3umph** · 2nd March 2009, 14:29

where on the hand is the cut???

**michael** · 2nd March 2009, 14:30

Dont own a camera, and even if I did I cant be arsed. Its just alot of blood. I've cut myself heaps before even shoved a nail through my foot (literally). This was a bit different though, took 2-3 sec to start bleeding but by the time I got to a tap both hands were covered in blood.