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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Cut Thumb On Zipper, Sore, Tender To Touch. Are Stitches Necessary?

Yesterday, I was zipping up my jacket. The zipper is broken so there isn t really a good grip on there. I pushed on it to zip up my jacket and it sliced my thumb horizontally almost the entire width of my thumb. It isn t a jagged cut but has been very sore and tender to touch. It bled through a band aid last night. Are stitches necessary or will it be fine?
Wed, 19 Dec 2012
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Cosmetic & Plastic Surgeon 's  Response
Hello,
If the zipper has cut through the entire width of the thumb then I would advice placement of a few stitches to aid in the healing process. Such a large cut would produce a large and wide scar in the absence of stitches. A large, wide scar is not desirable on the thumb because it contributes maximally to hand function and wide scars can pose plenty of problems in the long run.
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Dermatologist Dr. Kalpana Pathak's  Response
Hi,

Stitches would only be required if its a deep gaping wound. The same can only be confirmed once you get the area examined by a doctor. However you definitely need to take an oral antibiotic, oral anti inflammatory drug along with an antibiotic cream for local application. Always make it a point to clean the area with betadine or savlon. Also a booster dose of tetanus vaccine is required if tetanus vaccination is not complete or status of vaccination is not known. Hope that answers your query. Take care.
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Cut Thumb On Zipper, Sore, Tender To Touch. Are Stitches Necessary?

Hello, If the zipper has cut through the entire width of the thumb then I would advice placement of a few stitches to aid in the healing process. Such a large cut would produce a large and wide scar in the absence of stitches. A large, wide scar is not desirable on the thumb because it contributes maximally to hand function and wide scars can pose plenty of problems in the long run.