Intro

Cuts and scrapes can happen at any point, and while they can be painful, they’re usually not a major cause for concern. However, if you notice signs that your cut may be more serious and requires stitches, you may be able to save yourself an expensive trip to the emergency room by visiting your local urgent care clinic.

When Does a Cut Need Stitches?

Small cuts and lacerations usually do not require stitches, and basic, at-home first aid provides adequate treatment. However, for more serious lacerations, visiting your nearest urgent care clinic for stitches may be necessary. The following factors should be considered when assessing whether your cut may need stitches:

• Size: The larger a cut is, the more likely it is to need stitches to close the wound and allow it to heal properly. If your cut is wide or gaping, longer or deeper than half an inch, or if fatty tissue, muscle, or bone is exposed, you should seek medical attention immediately.
• Heavy bleeding: If your cut is bleeding profusely, even after applying concentrated pressure for approximately 10 minutes, stitches may be needed to stop blood loss. 
• Location: Some cuts are more serious simply because of their location on your body. Any cuts located on a joint, on or near your genitals, or on your face should be evaluated by a medical professional to assess the damage, preserve function, and minimize scarring.
• Animal or human bites: may also require a tetanus booster shot, antibiotics, or a rabies vaccination in addition to stitches.
• Contamination: If your cut has ground-in dirt that can’t be easily cleaned at home, or if you’ve been cut by a rusty or dirty object, you may need specialty care in addition to stitches to prevent illness.

How to Perform First Aid on a Cut

Even if your cut doesn’t require stitches, it’s important to perform basic first aid to ensure that the injury remains clean and free of infection. Even small, superficial cuts that become infected can cause serious illness when left untreated. Follow these simple steps to prevent infection and speed healing:

• Clean the cut and the surrounding area. Using mild antibacterial soap and water, gently cleanse your cut to remove dirt and bacteria. Do not apply hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol, as these actually further damage the tissue.
• Apply direct, consistent pressure on the cut. Pressure helps slow or stop bleeding. For profuse bleeding, you should elevate the wound above your heart and make your way to the nearest hospital emergency department.
• Apply antibiotic ointment (Polysporin, Neosporin), then a bandage. Bandages help stop bleeding and protect your cut from dirt and bacteria. You should change the bandage at least once a day until your cut is healed.

How Can I Tell if a Cut is Infected?

Sometimes, cuts become infected by bacteria, which usually becomes apparent two to three days after the injury occurs. In these cases, you should visit your doctor or nearest urgent care center as soon as possible, as you may need antibiotics to help fight the infection. 

Always seek medical attention for your cut if:

• It becomes more painful over time.
• You notice additional swelling over time.
• The area on or around the cut is red and hot to the touch.
• It begins to ooze pus.
• You feel unwell with aches and pains or a fever.

Infected cuts will not improve on their own and can lead to blood poisoning when left untreated. You should never ignore signs of infection, even if your cut otherwise doesn’t appear to be serious.

Should I Go to Urgent Care or the ER for Stitches?

Our urgent care clinics are well-equipped to treat most minor to moderate wounds with stitches, and when necessary, prescription medications like antibiotics. If your cut is straight (rather than jagged or irregularly shaped), relatively shallow (not spurting blood), has embedded dirt, or if you’ve been cut by a rusty or dirty object, we can save you a trip to the emergency room (and the sticker shock that comes with it!). 

However, there are more severe cases where the emergency room is a better choice. You should visit the emergency room if:

• Your cut is deep and exposes fatty tissue, muscle, veins, or bone.
• Your cut is spurting blood or bleeding profusely and won’t stop, even with pressure.
• Your cut is located on a joint, or on your face, scalp, or genitals.
• Your cut contains an embedded object that requires removal.

If your wound contains an embedded object, never attempt to remove it yourself, as this can rapidly increase blood loss. Instead, call 911 or go to the hospital immediately.

Aftercare for Stitches

After receiving stitches, follow these general aftercare principles to ensure a smooth healing process: 

• Avoid getting your stitches wet for 48 hours following treatment. After this time, it’s safe to gently clean them with soap and water. 
• After washing, pat the area dry using a paper towel, not a cloth towel, as these may harbor bacteria. 
• Replace any bandages daily, and if prescribed, reapply antibiotic ointment. 
• Your physician should advise you on when you can get the stitches removed (if required). Do not attempt to remove your stitches yourself.

Please note that these are generalized best practices, and that you should always follow the specific advice given to you by your physician, especially if your case requires more specialized aftercare.

Seek Professional Wound Care at Lincoln Urgent Care

If you’ve been injured and require stitches, our supportive, compassionate team of professionals is here to help. Our team is highly qualified to provide stitches, medication, and anything else you may need to treat your wound appropriately and speed healing. We’re proud to provide high-quality care at a price you can afford. We accept many major insurance providers and are pleased to offer discounts for those who are uninsured. Call or walk into one of our clinics in Lincoln, Granite Bay, or Roseville to receive the professional wound care you deserve!

Lincoln Urgent Care: (916) 258-2751

Granite Bay Urgent Care: (916) 570-7265

Lincoln Urgent Care Roseville: (916) 727-6846