Wound Care and Suturing in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What wound care and suturing involves
Wound care and suturing is the emergency cleaning, closing and dressing of cuts, lacerations and other wounds. The aim is to help a wound heal cleanly, guard against infection, and give the skin the support it needs to knit back together. At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, this is available in the emergency department around the clock.
The team starts by cleaning the wound thoroughly, flushing out dirt and debris so the area is fresh. They then examine it carefully, checking how deep it goes and looking underneath for damage to the tissue, and for any foreign material such as grit, glass or splinters that may be lodged inside. Once the wound is clean and checked, they close it in the way that best suits its size, depth and position.
How a wound is closed
There are several ways to close a wound, and the team chooses the one that fits each wound best:
- Stitches, for deeper or gaping cuts that need firm support to hold the edges together
- Skin glue, a medical adhesive that seals suitable smaller cuts, often used on the face
- Adhesive strips, thin tapes that draw the edges of a shallow wound together
After closing, the wound is dressed to keep it clean, protected and supported while it heals. The team also advises on tetanus protection, which matters for any dirty wound or bite, and explains how to care for the wound at home so it stays clean and heals well.
When to come to the emergency department
Come to the emergency department at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, at any hour, for a wound that needs prompt attention. Bring the following straight in:
- A deep or gaping cut where the edges stay apart
- A wound that keeps bleeding after several minutes of firm pressure
- A cut on the face or on the hand, where careful closure protects appearance and movement
- Any bite, whether from an animal or a person, as bites carry a high risk of infection
- A dirty wound, or one with grit, glass or other material inside it
- A wound over a joint, or one where the skin edges gape when you move
Closing a wound cleanly and early gives the best result, so it helps to come soon rather than wait. Apply firm, steady pressure with a clean cloth on the way in to slow any bleeding.
When home care suits a wound better
Many small wounds heal well with simple care at home. A minor graze or shallow scratch that stops bleeding quickly, stays clean, and has edges that sit together on their own is well suited to home care. For these, gentle cleaning under running water, a clean plaster or dressing, and keeping the area dry and covered are usually all that is needed.
Watch a wound healing at home over the following days. It should stay comfortable and settle steadily. Should it become more painful, red, swollen, warm or start to weep, or should a fever develop, these are signs to have it looked at, and the emergency department at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah is open for this around the clock. If you feel unsure whether a wound needs stitches, it is reasonable to come and let the team decide.
What happens when you arrive
When you reach the emergency department, you register your details and give a brief account of how and when the wound happened. This history matters, because how a wound was caused guides how it is treated, and a wound seen soon after it happens is usually the most straightforward to close.
A nurse checks the wound and your general condition, and a doctor examines it closely to judge its depth, look underneath, and decide on the best way to close it. The area is numbed first so the cleaning and closure stay comfortable. Once the wound is closed and dressed, you are given clear aftercare advice, told how to keep the dressing clean and dry, and advised when any stitches need removing and where to have that done. If a wound points to a deeper injury, imaging or another team may be involved.
Aftercare and healing
Good aftercare helps a closed wound heal neatly. Keep the dressing clean and dry, follow the advice you are given on when to change it, and protect the area while it knits together. Most closed wounds settle steadily and become more comfortable each day.
Keep an eye on the wound as it heals. A wound that stays clean, dry and supported heals best, and the team explains exactly what to look out for and when to return. Should the wound become more painful, red or swollen, start to weep, or should a fever develop, come back to have it checked. The emergency department at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah is open for wound problems 24 hours a day.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
Does a wound heal better if it is closed early?
Yes. A wound closed cleanly and early tends to heal neatly, because the edges are brought together while the tissue is fresh and the risk of infection is lower. The team chooses the closure that gives the best result for each wound, and it helps to come soon after an injury.
Will having stitches hurt?
The area around the wound is numbed first, so cleaning and closing the wound stays comfortable. You may feel a brief sting as the numbing is given, and pressure or movement afterwards, and the team keeps you comfortable throughout and explains each step as they go.
How do I know whether a wound needs stitches?
A deep or gaping cut, a wound that keeps bleeding after firm pressure, a wound on the face or hand, a bite, or a dirty wound all benefit from being seen. If you feel unsure, it is reasonable to come to the emergency department and let the team examine the wound and decide.
What can I do for a small cut at home?
A minor graze or shallow cut that stops bleeding quickly and stays clean is well suited to home care. Rinse it gently under running water, cover it with a clean plaster or dressing, and keep it dry. Watch it over the next few days, and have it checked if it becomes painful, red, swollen or weepy.
How do I stop a wound bleeding before I arrive?
Press firmly and steadily on the wound with a clean cloth or dressing, and keep the pressure on rather than lifting it to look. Raising the injured part can help. Keep the pressure up on the way to the emergency department, where the team will clean and close the wound.
What are the signs a wound is infected?
A wound that becomes more painful, red, swollen or warm, starts to weep or smell, or comes with a fever may be infected and benefits from being seen. The emergency department at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah is open around the clock, so come in to have the wound checked.
Do I need a tetanus injection?
Tetanus protection matters for dirty wounds and bites, and the team asks about your vaccination history and advises on whether you need a booster. Bringing any record of past vaccinations helps, and if you are unsure of your history the team guides you on what is needed.
How are animal or human bites treated?
Bites are cleaned thoroughly, checked carefully, and treated with tetanus protection in mind, as they carry a higher risk of infection. The team decides on the safest way to manage each bite and advises on aftercare and follow-up. Come to the emergency department promptly for any bite that breaks the skin.
When and where are stitches removed?
The team tells you when your stitches are ready to come out, which depends on where the wound is on the body, and where to have this done. Skin glue and adhesive strips come away on their own as the wound heals. You are given clear guidance before you leave.
Are you open at night for wounds?
Yes. Wound care and suturing is available in the emergency department at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and public holidays. In an emergency, come straight in. ---
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