Cuts & Bruises

Cuts, Abrasions, and Bruises: When to Seek Urgent Care

Although cuts, abrasions, and bruises are extremely common, they can also be serious. A cut, abrasion, or bruise that is unusually painful or deep or won’t heal might warrant a trip to an urgent care center. Here’s what you need to know.

What is a cut?

A cut is a wound caused by a sharp object pressing the skin so hard it breaks the surface. The break might be so minor that you don’t notice it, or it could be so severe that it causes significant blood loss.

When is a cut dangerous?

A small cut that doesn’t cause blood loss can be treated successfully at home with over-the-counter wound disinfectant and bandages. However, a deeper cut that causes the following issues should be evaluated by a medical professional:

  • Lasting pain
  • Uncontrolled bleeding or significant blood loss
  • Tissue loss
  • The cut was made by a dirty or infected object
  • The skin surrounding the cut is numb
  • The cut was on the face or throat
  • Foreign matter is lodged in the cut

What is a bruise?

A bruise is an injury to the skin that causes discoloration without breaking the skin. It occurs when the small blood vessels under the skin break due to a hard blow or impact. Bruising usually results in black, blue, or purple discoloration that may become darker.

When is a bruise dangerous?

Bruises can be common, but some may signal a more serious medical condition. If you notice the following, please seek medical attention:

  • The bruise is large and has an irregular shape  
  • The bruise is in an unusual location, such as the middle of the chest or back
  • The bruise does not appear to improve after a few days
  • The bruise appears without an injury

What is an abrasion?

An abrasion is a type of injury that involves scraping the skin, resulting in the removal of the top layer of the skin. It is a type of mechanical trauma that can be caused by friction, pressure, or forceful contact with a rough surface. In most cases, the skin is scraped away from the surface and can cause minor to severe damage, depending on the severity of the abrasion.

When is an abrasion dangerous?

Not all abrasions require a trip to urgent care, but please seek medical attention if you experience the following:

  • An abrasion on the face
  • An abrasion that penetrates deeper skin layers
  • The skin near the abrasion is numb
  • Significant blood loss
  • Signs of infection (swelling or pus)

Why should I visit an urgent care center for a cut, abrasion, or bruise?

Emerald Coast Urgent Care offers the following advantages:

  • We provide convenient and accessible treatment for cuts, abrasions, and bruises. With extended hours, you can get the care you need without waiting for an appointment. Additionally, we are open seven days a week, so you can get prompt medical attention.
  • We are equipped with numerous medical resources to handle minor injuries. Our staff is highly trained to provide a range of medical services, from basic wound care to more complex medical treatments.
  • Emerald Coast Urgent Care is more affordable than a visit to the emergency room.
  • We provide a more comfortable atmosphere than emergency rooms. 

At Emerald Coast Urgent Care, we are staffed with experienced medical professionals and have access to state-of-the-art diagnostic tools. With the right medical equipment and personnel, you can rest assured that you will get the best care possible.

If you need fast medical care for a cut, abrasion, or bruise, please visit Emerald Coast Urgent Care today. As a trusted walk-in clinic, you won’t need an appointment.

For additional information, please call 850-654-8878 for our Destin clinic, 850-236-8655 for our Panama City Beach clinic, or 850-588-1843 for our Inlet Beach clinic.

CONTACT US

Would you like to know more?
Call the location nearest you:

Destin: 850-654-8878
Panama City Beach: 850-236-8655
Inlet Beach: 850-588-1843

WALK-INS WELCOME!

Emerald Coast Urgent Care locations:

12598 Emerald Coast Pkwy.,
Destin, Fl 32550

2704 Thomas Dr.,
Panama City Beach, Fl 32407

13625 US-98, Suite 8-9
Inlet Beach, FL 32413

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