Why are bite wounds not sutured?

This is a common misconception. Bite wounds can and should be sutured under certain conditions. However, there are a few reasons why bite wounds are often not sutured right away.

* Risk of infection: Bite wounds are more likely to become infected than other types of wounds, due to the presence of bacteria in the mouth. Suturing a bite wound can trap bacteria inside, increasing the risk of infection.

* Delayed healing: Bite wounds often take longer to heal than other types of wounds. Suturing a bite wound can further delay the healing process.

* Scarring: Bite wounds can cause significant scarring. Suturing a bite wound can worsen the scarring.

For these reasons, doctors may choose to leave a bite wound open to heal on its own, or to use other methods of closure such as skin glue or steri-strips. However, in some cases, suturing a bite wound may be necessary to prevent further damage or to improve the healing process.