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Minor cuts, scrapes, bumps and bruises can usually be cared for at home, but deeper cuts and lacerations require medical attention to heal properly. After an injury, you may find yourself wondering if you need stitches.
Keep reading to learn how to assess your wound and discover where to go the next time you wonder whether you need stitches.
Wound Assessment: How to Tell if You Need Stitches
Stitches, also known as sutures, connect the edges of an open wound to stop bleeding, prevent infection and help the injury heal faster. However, not all cuts need stitches.
When do you need stitches? If a cut is deep, gaping or doesn't stop bleeding after applying direct pressure for 10 to 15 minutes, is located over a joint, has jagged edges, is on your face or exposes underlying tissue like fat or muscle, it’s time to seek help from a medical professional.
Signs that you may need stitches include:
- The cut appears to be at least a quarter-inch deep
- The cut spurts blood or continues to bleed after 10 minutes of applying pressure to the area
- The location of the wound is in a sensitive area such as on the face, joints or genitalia
Keep in mind that if your skin gets punctured from an animal bite, scrapes against rusty metal or anything else that may risk infection, seek medical attention immediately. Your local AdventHealth Centra Care urgent care can administer tetanus shots or any other appropriate medical treatment you’ll need to prevent further complications.
Types of Wounds That Need Stitches
Certain types of wounds need stitches to heal properly and prevent infection. If unsure, it’s always better to consult a medical professional. Here are common types of wounds that typically need stitches:
- Deep cuts: Wounds deeper than a quarter inch or those that expose underlying tissue like fat, muscle, tendons or bone
- Facial or visible area wounds: Cuts on the face, lips or other highly visible areas to minimize scarring
- Gaping wounds: Cuts where the edges cannot be easily pushed back together with gentle pressure
- Jagged or irregular cuts: Wounds with uneven edges that make it difficult for the skin to heal on its own
- Profusely bleeding wounds: Injuries where bleeding doesn’t stop after applying firm pressure for 10 to 15 minutes
- Wounds over joints: Cuts on joints, like elbows or knees, that may reopen with movement
How to Choose the Best Care When You Need Stitches
Here’s a helpful chart to help you determine when you need stitches and find the best care to meet your needs, whether it’s urgent care or the emergency room.
| Question | Urgent Care | Emergency Care |
| How big is the wound? |
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| Where is the cut? |
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| Is the bleeding under control? |
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| Is there anything lodged in the wound? |
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| Is the wound infected? |
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Answering these questions can help you better decide where to seek medical help.
AdventHealth Centra Care urgent care centers provide additional urgent care services, including onsite medications, X-rays, immunizations and lab tests for faster results, preventive care and effective pain management.
FAQ: When Do You Need Stitches?
8 items. To interact with these items, press Control-Option-Shift-Right Arrow
- How do I know if I need stitches?
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You may need stitches if your cut is deep, has jagged edges, keeps reopening, won’t stop bleeding after applying pressure for 10 minutes or exposes underlying tissue like fat or muscle. Use the chart above to help you decide if you need stitches — and where to go if you do.
- When should I get stitches?
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Stitches are most effective when done within eight hours of injury. Waiting too long can increase the risk of infection and make it harder to close the wound properly.
- When do you need stitches on your hand?
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Hand wounds may require stitches if they are deep, gaping or exposing tendons, bones or other underlying structures. Cuts that interfere with movement or sensation in your hand, such as those affecting nerves or tendons, also need immediate medical attention and possible stitches.
- When do you need stitches on a finger?
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Finger cuts may need stitches if they are more than a quarter-inch deep, won’t stop bleeding or if the edges are jagged and cannot be closed with gentle pressure. Wounds that expose underlying tissue or damage tendons should be treated promptly with stitches to ensure proper function and healing.
- Do I need stitches if it stops bleeding?
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Just because your wound stopped bleeding doesn’t mean you don’t need stitches. If the cut is deep, gaping or has edges that cannot be easily closed together, you may still need stitches to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of scarring or infection.
- What happens if I don't get stitches?
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If you need stitches and don’t get them, your wound may take longer to heal, become infected or leave a larger scar. In severe cases, untreated wounds can lead to complications like abscesses or systemic infections.
- How long are stitches left in?
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The length of time your stitches are left in will depend on the location and severity of the wound. Generally, stitches on the face are removed after three to five days, while stitches on joints or other body areas may be left in for 10 to 14 days. Your doctor will advise you on how long your stitches will be left in.
- Are there alternatives to stitches?
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In some cases, wounds can be closed with adhesive strips, medical glue or staples instead of traditional stitches. Another alternative sometimes used rather than traditional stitches is dissolvable stitches that do not need to be removed. Your health care provider will choose the best method based on the wound’s location and severity.
Get Quality Care When You Need Stitches
Accidents happen, and knowing when you need stitches and where to go for medical care is important. By knowing what to look for and asking yourself the right questions, you can rest assured that you will make the right decision when it matters most.
Find an AdventHealth Centra Care urgent care near you for convenient care to meet your needs.
