How do you know when you need stitches?

The severity of a cut is the main factor to consider when determining if stitches are needed. If the cut appears deep and long, or bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes of applying pressure, these may signal that stitches are necessary. Signs of infection such as redness, swelling, and discharge from the wound can also indicate you need to seek medical attention for the cut.

If you think you may need stitches, it’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible. An urgent care visit is typically recommended for a wound requiring stitches. Your doctor or healthcare provider will assess the cut and determine whether sutures are necessary to close the wound and promote healing. During this appointment, your doctor may also clean the wound, apply a topical antibiotic and provide you with instructions for proper wound care.

It’s important to note that stitches may be necessary even if the cut does not appear to be deep or long. Seeking medical attention is especially important if it’s a deep puncture wound, an animal bite or any injury affecting the face.

What Are Stitches?

Stitches, or sutures, are a type of medical thread used to close wounds. They are inserted into the skin to hold the cut together and help promote proper healing. Depending on where the wound is located and how severe it is, your doctor may use different types of stitches — such as absorbable or non-absorbable — to close the wound.

How Stitches Help with Healing

Sutures help reduce scarring by holding the wound together and ensuring that it heals in the correct position. Additionally, stitches also help reduce bleeding from the wound and keep dirt or other contaminants out of the area to prevent infection.

Proper care of a wound with stitches is essential for an optimal healing process. Following your doctor’s instructions for wound care and cleaning, as well as avoiding activities that can cause further damage to the area, can aid in healing and help reduce the risk of complications.

What happens if you need stitches but don’t get them?

If you don’t get stitches for a wound that needs them, the area may not heal properly. This can lead to scarring or infection, and can even cause serious medical complications like permanent nerve damage or paralysis. It’s important to seek medical attention if a cut is deeper than expected, in order to avoid any potential risks and ensure proper healing.

Before You Go to the Doctor

If you think you may need stitches, it’s important to take the necessary steps before your appointment. Cleaning the wound with soap and water can help reduce infection risk. Additionally, applying pressure over the area for at least 15 minutes can also help stop bleeding. It’s also a good idea to bring along any photos of the cut or information about the injury, such as when it happened and what caused it.

Care for the Cut After Stitches

Once you receive stitches for a cut, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for proper wound care. This may include washing the area daily with soap and water, avoiding activities that can cause further damage, and taking medications as prescribed. Additionally, keeping the area dry and covered with gauze or a bandage can help protect the wound from infection and further damage.

If you notice signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge from the wound, seek medical help right away. These are signs that the body is responding to infection and could require antibiotics or other treatments. It’s also important to follow up with your doctor after receiving stitches in order to assess healing progress and check for any signs of infection.

When Is It Too Late To Get Stitches?

It’s important to seek medical attention for a wound as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the cut, stitches may still be applied up to 24 hours after the injury. However, if it has been longer than that since the injury occurred, stitches may not be recommended or effective.

Don’t Need Stitches? How to Care For A Cut at Home

If you don’t need stitches, caring for the cut at home is still important. Washing the wound with soap and water can help reduce infection risk. Applying an antibiotic ointment over the area and covering it with gauze or a bandage will also help promote healing. Additionally, avoiding activities that could further damage the wound, such as contact sports or swimming, is important for optimal healing.

Visit iCare Argyle Urgent Care for Cuts & Wound

In conclusion, knowing how to identify when you need stitches is essential for a proper and safe healing process. If you think that a cut or wound requires medical attention, it’s important to seek help right away in order to prevent infection and other potential complications. At iCare Argyle Urgent Care, our experienced physicians are ready to provide quick and affordable care for cuts, wounds, and scrapes.