86 Where There Is No Doctor 2011
STITCHES OR SUTURES WITH THREAD
To find out if a cut needs stitches see if the edges of the skin come together by
themselves. If they do, usually no stitches are needed.
To stitch a wound:
♦ Boil a sewing needle and a thin thread (nylon or silk is best) for 20 minutes.
♦ Wash the wound with cool, boiled water, as has been described.
♦ Wash your hands very well with boiled water and soap.
♦ Sew the wound like this:
HOW TO TIE A
GOOD KNOT
1. 2.
1. 2. 3.
Make the first stitch in the middle of the cut, and tie it closed (1. and 2.).
If the skin is tough, hold the needle with a pair of pliers (or needle holder) that has
been boiled.
Make enough other stitches to close the whole cut (3.).
Leave the stitches in place for 5 to 14 days (on the face 5 days; the body 10 days;
the hand or foot 14 days). Then remove the stitches: cut the thread on one side of the
knot and pull the knot until the thread comes out.
WARNING: Only close wounds that are very clean and less than 12 hours old. Old,
dirty, or infected wounds must be left open. Bites from people, dogs, pigs, or other
animals should also be left open. Closing these can cause dangerous infections.
If the wound that has been closed shows any signs of infection, remove the
stitches immediately and leave the wound open (see p. 88).