How do you know if a cat scratch needs stitches?

Question

I got a cat scratch across my ribs and it ripped the skin open about 4 mm. Are there general guidelines for when stitches are necessary?

Answer 1

you can get steri-strips at the drug store unless you think it's infected then visit the dr,they don't use stitches that much anymore even for surgery

Answer 2

You know you need stitches when you can see fat in the cut. You can actually see a layer of whitish stuff inside the cut area. This means you have cut down to deeper layers of skin. The other problem is that you cant get stitches after a certain amount of time has passed. This will only seal up infection that may have started. I very much doubt that you need stitches from a cat scratch. Unless it was a mountain lion or something. lol

Answer 3

The real question is often: "Can it still be sutured closed?"

A day or so after wounding, the wound infection rate increases for a wound if it is closed. Personally, I suture almost everything if I feel the chance of making the wound/scar look heal/look better is good. A wound open by 4 mm will close in most cases. It will probably close faster/better if it is sutured as long as the wound doesn't become infected or isn't dirty. Cats rarely sterilize their claws before wounding someone, so that is at least a low grade contaminated wound.

When in doubt, get a professional medical evaluation to determine the potential for a good outcome sutured versus not sutured.

Answer 4

unless it is extremely deep then i think it would be up to you if you want to go to the doctors to see if you need them. I got scratched by my cat on the upper arm right where my armpit is. I put some gauze and tape on it but it wasnt enough. I had to put an ace bandage around it to keep it there and I felt like I couldn't move it but I didn't go to the doctor. I could have probably used stitches but I do have a pretty sweet scar from it.

Answer 5

You really shouldnt use hydrogen peroxide or alchol on open cuts. I know we were all exposed to our mothers putting it on us but now they are saying that those two items dry out the edges of the cut and can cause it to heal with a much larger scar. Wash out the cut with antibacterial soap, put some neosporin on it and use a bandaid to hold the twoedges as close as possible. Every day, take the bandaid off, gently so you dont pull it open, wash it with a mild soap and put more neosporin on it. In about 3 days, you should be able to leave the bandaids off.

Answer 6

It's hard to know on your own. But if itwon't stop bleeding, if it's over a joint or if it's really wide you usually need stitches. Now if the wound is dirty you may need a tetanus shot every five years. If it's not dirty you may need it every ten years. Bottom line is if you're not sure go to the emergency room or call your doctor. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Answer 7

I think one of the guidelines is what kind of scar you want to be left with and another guideline might have to do with infections.

You really need to show it to a professional (a nurse will tell you right away).

Could you specify how long, how deep & how wide the scratch is?

You just mentioned 4mm.

Answer 8

I don't think they would stitch you up for that. Clean the wound, put some polysporin on it and a bandaid. If you can roam around your house without your shirt on, take off the bandaid and let it the wound get some air. It should close itself up nicely in a few days.

Answer 9

I happen to know where those claws have been (cat box) A seriously thorough cleaning is in order, a triple antibiotic & some skin closing strips from the drugstore. Keep a close eye out for spreading redness & quit teasing the cat, they have no mercy! kinda like "fake name" (tee hee)

Answer 10

make positive you thoroughly cleanse and disinfect the wound , enable the wound to bleed to start up the first step in cleansing, then wash with cleansing soap and water. keep on with stress,3-5 minutes to end the bleeding. Use a basic disinfectant like Bactine spray, cover with Neosporin ointment, and bandage to keep the wound sparkling. that is not likely that you want stitches. keep the wound dry, re-bandage utilising Neosporin ointment for the wound a minimum of daily. study the wound daily for signs and indications of an infection : increasing redness, increasing swelling, obtrusive pus, increasing soreness. you would possibly want to confirm signs and indications of progression daily. finished therapeutic in about 10 days. If something about the wound seems "incorrect", bypass to an outpatient hospital to have your wound examined. They deal with this variety of wound each of the time. best of luck.

Answer 11

you really only need stitches when its really cut open like extremely thick... ive gotten many many many cat scratches everywhere and they were never that thick, just be sure to clean it with peroxide everyday with a bandaid over it to keep it from getting infected.