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?
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.
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.