Do I Need Stitches? Here’s What You Should Know
So you just experienced an accidental cut. What now?
Deciding whether a bandage will stop the bleeding and protect the wound while waffling over the question, “Do I need stitches?” can feel like added stress after sustaining an injury, but we’re here to walk you through it.
From a tiny but painful paper cut to the slip of a kitchen knife while preparing dinner, almost everyone experiences some cut or abrasion at some point. While most cuts are minimal and hardly bleed, others are larger and more worrisome.
Although most cuts can be treated at home, some require a trip to urgent care or the emergency room for prompt care to stop excessive bleeding or close deep lacerations properly.
It is important to know when to visit urgent care for a cut and whether a “yes” response will arise from the question, “Do I need stitches?” for your injury. Let’s discuss cuts and stitching requirements in more detail.
How Do I Know If I Need Stitches?
If you or a loved one has sustained a cut and you’re pondering over the question, “Do I need stitches” due to worry about the size, shape, location, or depth of a cut, it is best to visit urgent care for further evaluation and treatment.
There is no set rule on exactly when you should receive stitches, but generally speaking, stitches are recommended and used for cuts that
- Bleed for 10 minutes or longer after applying pressure
- Are long or deep
- Have something embedded or stuck within it
You should also visit Emerald Coast Urgent Care for a cut if
- It is caused by an animal bite
- You need a tetanus shot due to the nature of the injury
- You have mild to moderate facial wounds
- Your cut has signs of infection
Do I Need Stitches or Emergency Care?
Some cuts are too large and deep to be appropriately treated at an urgent care facility using simple stitches.
If you have a severe wound, seek immediate care at your local emergency room.
Visit an emergency room if
- The bleeding won’t stop, or blood is spurting out
- The cut is deeper than one-quarter inch
- Muscle, fat, or bone is exposed
- The cut is located over a joint
- The injury is through a major vein or artery
- You believe you have sustained an amputation
For all significant wound emergencies, call 9-1-1 now.
Wound Care and Stitches Are Available at Emerald Coast Urgent Care Now
If you or a loved one has a severe cut that requires immediate attention, visit Emerald Coast Urgent Care today, especially if it is a larger cut that bleeds.
We are open seven days a week for all your wound care needs. No appointment is required. Walk in to get the stitches and treatment you need sooner.
