Stitches, Glue, and Staples for Wound Care
Stitches are a medical thread used to close wounds, cuts, or surgical incisions. They hold the edges of the cut together, allowing the skin and tissue to heal properly.
Stitches are often used for deep cuts, large wounds or injuries where the skin experiences frequent movement (i.e. knee or elbow). The benefits of stitches include infection prevention, reduction of scarring, and the promotion of faster healing.
Glue (medical adhesive glue) is a special kind of skin adhesive used to close minor cuts or surgical incisions. It acts as a bonding agent, holding the edges of the wound together while it heals.
Glue is often used for small, clean cuts and on areas with low movement (i.e. face, arms). The benefits of glue as a method of wound care are plentiful as it is quick and painless to apply, does not require a healthcare professional to take out or off (glue falls off on its own), but glue also reduces scarring compared to traditional stitches.
Staples (wound staples) are metal fasteners used to close certain types of wounds or incisions. They are applied using a specialized stapler device and are commonly used in areas where the skin experiences a lot of tension (i.e. scalp or abdomen).
Wound staples are typically used for deep, long incisions, or in situations where quick wound closure is needed. They are a precise, durable, and efficient option for wound care as they ensure a faster application than stitches.
All three options are available at PromptMed Urgent Care. If you or a loved one find themselves in need of wound care, walk into any PromptMed Urgent Care where patients are triaged by severity, no appointment necessary.
