[pct-l] Stitches

[Kevin Cook]

Mr Bulk is right, use super glue. Some alcohol can be used to disinfect,
then close the wound with super glue. The medical industry won't openly
endorse this, but it's a pretty common practice. There are 2 concerns with
this though. First, it creates a very well sealed closure to the wound.
While this is good for keeping things out, it also keeps anything in.
Irrigate and clean the wound well before closing! Second, the medical folks
are concerned about the glue being absorbed into the body. While I haven't
heard anyone say it's bad, it's reasonable for them to err on the side of
caution. My theory is, we're exposed to so many toxins in modern society,
the risk associated with using super glue to close a wound is probably
smaller than the risk of not dealing with the wound.

I carry a tiny bottle of super glue in my first aid kit. Actually, thanks
for reminding me of this, I should probably get a new one. Mine is several
years old. It's unopened, but for $2, I think I'll replace it ;)

On Tue, Feb 22, 2011 at 9:09 AM, Nitnoid1 <nitnoid1 at yahoo.com> wrote:

> Super glue may work but you would have to look it up. I've heard it being
> used in emergency situations far from an ER.
>
> The Incredible Bulk
>
> On Feb 22, 2011, at 8:03 AM, Amanda L Silvestri <aslive at sbcglobal.net>
> wrote:
>
> > I have always been careful while out hiking/backpacking and so have never
> yet been cut much worse that a scape or scratch, never the less, it seems to
> me that the possibility of tripping or falling (off a slick log or loose
> rock cliff or whatever) or impaling oneself with a branch, is a possibility.
>  Even so, I have yet to see in the content list for a First Aid kit, a
> curved needle for stitching up lacerations.  I would not enjoy having to do
> this, but I can imagine a situation where a butterfly bandage might not be
> enough.  It is likewise not hard to imagine this happening some days away
> from a road crossing/trail head.  Does anyone carry anything for stitches in
> their First Aid kit or do most people just use regular needle and thread (or
> dental floss) hoping that will do the trick?
> >
> > Shepherd
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