A laceration is tear or opening in the skin caused by an injury. Lacerations may be small, and need only minor treatment at home, or may be large enough to require emergency medical care. Stitches, also called sutures, are special types of thread that hold wound edges together while they heal.
Stitches help to stop bleeding, reduce scarring, and decrease the chance of infection in the wound.
Steri-Strips are special adhesive bandages that can sometimes be used on shallow wounds instead of stitches. Steri-Strips perform the same functions as stitches. Lacerations that involve the face, are longer than inch, are deep, or are bleeding heavily, may require stitches. Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for several minutes to stop bleeding. If the bleeding is profuse, hold pressure for five to 10 minutes without stopping to look at the cut.