Stitches vs Stitches: A Guide

Let’s be honest: no one wants to hear the words, “You’re going to need stitches.” But cuts could happen. Whether it’s a kitchen accident, a bicycle accident, or something less glamorous, sometimes your body needs a little extra help to get through.

The good news? Stitching is not one size fits all. Doctors have several different tricks to help your skin heal safely, with as few scars as possible.

Sutures vs Stitches: What’s the Difference?

You may have heard people say “stitch” and “stitch” as if they mean the same thing. Technically, stitching is a medical thread used to suture skin, and stitching are the actual loops or ties made with thread.

Types of Stitches (and Why They Matter)

Doctors don’t just take used threads and needles. They use certain materials depending on where your wound is and how deep it is.

“Sutures are dissolvable and non-dissolvable,” says Naghmeh Pirsaharkhizlangroudi, MD, a surgeon at UVA Health.

• Dissolvable stitches consists of special ingredients that are broken down by your own body
• Non-dissolvable stitches will need to be removed by a care provider after your wound has healed.

Each type has advantages and disadvantages, and your doctor chooses based on wound location, strain, and risk of infection.

Non-dissolving sutures are made from nylon and silk. “For skin wounds, we never use silk,” says Pirsaharkhizlangroudi.

But Wait — What About Staples or Glue?

• Staples: Yep, actual medical necessity. They are fast, strong, and often used for scalp wounds or large wounds where speed is important (such as in the ER).
• Leather glue: Basically medical grade super glue that holds the edges of small, clean cuts together. It’s quick, painless, and goes away on its own. You can buy it at your local pharmacy.

When Do You Need Stitches?

Not every cut requires a trip to the ER. Some signs you may need stitches:

• The cut is deep, gaping, or longer than half an inch.
• It continues to bleed even after applying pressure.
• You can see fat, muscle, or bone.
• It’s on your face, where scars are a concern.

If the wound is shallow and the bleeding stops on its own, you may be able to clean it, bandage it, and let it heal without stitches.

What If You Miss a Stitch?

Leaving deep wounds open can slow healing, increase scarring, and increase the risk of infection. Long-term problems can arise if the wound does not close properly.

Can You DIY With a Sewing Needle?

No. Regular needles and threads (like the ones in your sewing kit) are not sterile, are not designed for skin, and can cause serious infections. Real sewing needle curved, sterile, and made for medical use. Please leave this one to the professionals.

Can Stitches Be Kept in Too Long?

Yes. Non-dissolvable stitches if left in place too long can leave additional scars or even become embedded in the skin. That’s why doctors usually schedule a removal appointment within a week or two, depending on the location of the wound.

The main thing is: Whether it’s dissolvable sutures, nylon sutures, silk sutures, or even staples, the goal is always to help your skin heal quickly and cleanly. If you’re not sure whether a piece needs stitching, check it.