Wound · assessment for closure and aftercare

With wounds, the first decision is what the wound actually needs.

Not every wound needs suturing, but some wounds should be assessed promptly. In clinic, I assess location, depth, contamination, bleeding, possible foreign body, suspected nerve or tendon injury, tetanus protection and aftercare.

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When should I book?

a fresh cut, laceration or tear
the wound edges are gaping or cleanliness is uncertain
suturing, glue, strips, cleaning or another approach needs to be considered
you need clear aftercare instructions, timing of suture removal or follow-up planning

What is assessed during the visit?

whether the wound can be managed in clinic or needs hospital emergency care
whether local anaesthetic, cleaning, suturing, glue, strips or another procedure is needed
infection risk and antibiotics only when justified
tetanus protection, dressing, suture removal and warning signs

What should be clear after the appointment?

You should know why the wound was closed or left open, how to care for it at home, when sutures should be removed and what signs suggest infection or another problem.

When is hospital emergency care a better route?

Heavy bleeding, deep bite wound, suspected tendon or nerve injury, open fracture, complex facial or hand injury, contaminated crush injury, possible foreign body or worsening general condition may require hospital emergency care.

Clinical decision-making

Suturing is a clinical decision, not an automatic step.

With a wound, I first assess what tissues are involved and whether the wound can be closed safely. Sometimes the right treatment is suturing; sometimes it is careful cleaning, wound strips, skin glue, open wound care or referral to hospital emergency care.

Medical content written and reviewed by Markus Huotari, general practitioner. Updated 20 May 2026.

Medical background

These sources do not replace individual medical assessment, but they describe the clinical background for this page.

Other appointment situations

General practice urgent care in TöölöAcute GP assessment at Mehiläinen Töölö: urgency, need for tests, treatment plan and concrete next steps.Sinusitis and antibioticsAssessment of sinus symptoms in Helsinki: when antibiotics may help and when the symptoms are more likely part of a viral cold.Urinary tract infection and remote consultationWhen a typical lower UTI can be assessed remotely and when a urine sample, in-person visit or urgent assessment is needed.Abscess drainage in HelsinkiAssessment and, when appropriate, drainage of an abscess at Mehiläinen Töölö. When antibiotics are enough and when pus needs to be drained.

Book an appointment if you want a clear assessment and a concrete next-step plan for an acute symptom.

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