Flotsam is so right. good info.

5.0 is about the same as 23 guage. This s*$#t is like a razor. Good for deeper layered surtured wounds which i hope the un-trained won't try. Please don't use duct tape to close a wound, It doesn't allow for seepage and actually keeps the germs condensed in a small area. i did a search and found a good source of info on sutures Take a look http://www.emedicine.com/ent/topic38.htm

There are a lot of different opinions on this, learn what you can and make your choice. I still think that 3.0 which is around 14 gauge is the smallest most people wan't to go. if I'm wrong please say so.