There are many ways to close an open wound.  After a thorough cleaning and sterilization, a cut or laceration may be closed with staples, a pressure dressing, bandages, medical adhesive, or stitches.  Your doctor will decide which of these methods is best suited for your injury.  Stitches can help support the injured area as the skin heals as well as decrease the chance for infection and scarring.  Stitches are often used for cuts that are deep, wide, or more than half of an inch long.  Many lacerations will require stitches due to the ragged or torn edges they often have.  Stitches are frequently implemented to help close cuts or lacerations that do not stop bleeding.