Does this injury require stitches, or can I just use skin closure strips? If I go to the hospital for stitches, is there a chance I’ll be admitted to a psychiatric ward?
I am a 15-year-old AFAB, about 160cm tall, and I’m not sure of my current weight.
For context, the cut is located on the inside of my left upper arm near the elbow. It has reached the fat layer, is about 3/4 of an inch long, and is gaping open by 1 to 1.5 cm. The bleeding isn’t severe, but after removing the bandage to check it for this post, it started bleeding again and continues to do so whenever I move the gauze. Because of that, I can’t get a clear picture.
This occurred between one and two hours ago and it’s extremely painful. I have some skin closures from Boots that I could attempt to use, but from what I’ve gathered, they might not be effective for a wound like this.
I really want to avoid the hospital if possible. It’s difficult to talk to my parents about this even though they are aware of my struggles with self-harm, and I don’t want to spoil the Easter holiday. Furthermore, hospitals are intimidating and I’m unsure how to discuss the self-harm aspect. I’m worried about the outcome because I know they’ll at least have a mental health nurse speak with me, and I’m terrified of being hospitalized.
What is the best course of action?