Overview
A cut can happen anywhere on your body. Sometimes a cut can injure the tendons, blood vessels, or nerves.
A cut may be left open instead of being closed with stitches, staples, or adhesive. A cut may be left open when it is likely to become infected, because closing it can make infection even more likely.
You will probably have a bandage.
The doctor may want the cut to stay open the whole time it heals. This happens with some cuts when too much time has gone by since the cut happened. Or the doctor may tell you to come back to have the cut closed in 4 to 5 days, when there is less chance of infection.
If the cut stays open while healing, your scar may be larger than if the cut was closed. But you can get treatment later to make the scar smaller.
The doctor has checked you carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter O575 in the search box to learn more about "Cuts Left Open: Care Instructions".