SI Question - stitches in leg?

[Revival]

I've been cutting on my lower legs lately.

I read in the wound care guide that lower-leg wounds may need stitches, how do I tell if I need them? I know how to tell if I need them generally (ie gaping etc) but was unsure because of the lower leg thing?

The cuts are down to the fat but could be closed with steri-strips. Are they likely to heal properly?

I dont think this makes much sense sorry.

[~sammy~]

i have cut my lower legs before and even though they could have been closed with steri strips the hospital have said that because of the tension in the skin on the legs then it would probably take a while to heal so they stitched them to aid healing. thats just my experience of what i have been told. hope i helped. sam x

[Tig]

I was going to say exactly what Sammy said.
I hope you'll get checked out so you can get the best treament. Take care xxx

[eyes.wide.open]

^^ yep thats what i think.

better to get checked out, and be safe!
esp on the lower leg, stitches help the wound heal better\faster.

[Revival]

the cuts are from 1 and a half weeks ago up till today, is it too late to get them looked at? I know its too late for them to stitch, is there really anything they can do? thanks for the advice x

[Gentlementalmen]

if you think it may need stitches, its better to be safe than sorry. unstitched wounds leave massive scars, which i'm having to deal with now D:

[Bitter_Angel]

you can try to apply steri strips to them but they might not hold because of the mo9vement in this area. its a good idea not to cut in this area as the wounds are difficult to heal.

[Revival]

thanks guys,

they've all been steri stripped and seem to be mostly holding, but I looked at them today and am pretty sure that they're infected.

Called my GP I cant see them until monday at least, is there anything I can do in the meantime? I've looked at the wound care guide but couldnt see anything about what I can do in the meantime until I see a doctor

[lozza]

I know its scary but can you maybe go to hosp to get it looked at?

hang in there

[roiben]

Would suggest asking for an emergency appointment, or an appointment with the practice nurse who can look at the wounds for you.

That, or a walk in clinic, or local hospital.

I would not wait until Monday if the wounds are infected, as it risks the infection getting worse.

[Bitter_Angel]

you could always go to your local walk in centre if you think infected.
Failing that you need to dress the wound properly stated in the wound care guide with plenty of antibacterial cream on them changing the dressing regularly.

[Revival]

there's no walk in centre where I live, but I'm trying to get an emergency appt for this morning waiting at my GP's to hear back from them.

I did look at the wound care guide just wasnt sure if there was anything else I could do, thanks for the advice x

[Revival]

I went to the GP got them re-dressed and on antibiotics. She said some of them could have needed stitches :(

[lozza]

*hugs* glad you got them checked out hun

[Bitter_Angel]

wel done for getting htem checked out. you should know now how bad a wound needs stitching so you should try to get them stitched when they need it.