When Do You Need Stitches? Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Accidents happen, and cuts or wounds are a common part of life. While some minor cuts heal on their own, others require medical attention, including stitches, to promote proper healing and prevent complications. Understanding when a wound needs stitches can help you make the right decision and avoid infection or scarring. Absolute Urgent Care provides expert medical services to assess and treat wounds quickly.

Signs That You May Need Stitches

1. Deep Cuts: If the wound is deep enough to expose fat, muscle, or bone, it likely requires stitches to close properly.
2. Edges That Won’t Close: A wound that remains open even when gently pressed together may need sutures to help it heal correctly.
3. Excessive Bleeding: If direct pressure doesn’t stop the bleeding after 10-15 minutes, medical attention is necessary.
4. Wounds Over Joints or High-Movement Areas: Cuts on knees, elbows, or fingers may reopen frequently due to movement and benefit from stitches.
5. Jagged or Gaping Wounds: Clean cuts may heal well with proper bandaging, but irregular or torn skin may need stitches to heal correctly.
6. Foreign Objects in the Wound: If an object like glass, wood, or metal is lodged in the cut, stitches may be needed after professional cleaning.
7. Facial or Cosmetic Concerns: Cuts on the face, lips, or hands may require stitches to reduce scarring and ensure proper healing.
8. Bites from Animals or Humans: These wounds are at high risk of infection and often require stitches and antibiotic treatment.
9. Signs of Infection: Redness, swelling, pus, or increasing pain indicate infection and may require medical treatment.

What Happens If You Don’t Get Stitches When Needed?

• Infection Risk: Open wounds are more likely to become infected, leading to complications like cellulitis or abscess formation.
• Excessive Scarring: Gaping wounds heal unevenly, resulting in larger scars.
• Longer Healing Time: Unstitched wounds may take significantly longer to close and recover fully.
• Loss of Function: Wounds on joints or fingers may affect movement if not properly treated.

How Are Stitches Done?

At Absolute Urgent Care, a medical professional will:

1. Clean the Wound: The area is washed thoroughly to remove debris and reduce infection risk.
2. Apply Local Anesthesia: A numbing agent is used to ensure a pain-free procedure.
3. Suture the Wound: The doctor uses dissolvable or removable stitches, depending on the location and severity.
4. Cover and Protect: A bandage is applied to protect the wound and promote healing.
5. Provide Aftercare Instructions: Patients receive guidance on cleaning, pain management, and when to return for stitch removal if needed.

When to Visit Absolute Urgent Care for Stitches

If you’re unsure whether your wound requires stitches, Absolute Urgent Care provides fast, reliable medical evaluation and treatment. Our team ensures that wounds heal properly, minimizing complications and scarring. Seek medical attention promptly if you suspect a cut needs stitches to prevent further issues.

Getting the right care at the right time can make a difference in healing and long-term skin health. If you experience a deep cut, excessive bleeding, or any concerns about wound care, visit Absolute Urgent Care today for expert treatment.