Knowing when a cut requires stitches is essential for preventing infection and ensuring proper healing. A cut may need stitches if it is deep, wide, or caused by a sharp object, as these factors can prevent the edges from closing on their own. Additionally, cuts located on body areas prone to tension, such as joints or those that bleed heavily and persistently, may require professional attention. Recognizing the severity of a wound and seeking medical advice promptly can help prevent complications and promote a faster recovery. If you’re in need of immediate care for a minor injury, AFC Urgent Care Cortez can help! Our walk-in clinic offers same-day care to patients in Cortez, CO, and the surrounding areas. Walk-in today!
Benefits of Stitches
Injuries can happen unexpectedly. While most injuries are mild and can be treated at home, it is important to understand when to seek medical treatment. While small cuts may be treatable at home, cleaning the wound and stitching the skin shut rather than letting the injury heal on its own has many benefits including faster healing, a reduced risk of infection, and potentially a smaller and less noticeable scar.
Signs Your Injury Requires Stitches
Not all injuries will require stitches. It is important to understand what signs indicate that your injury may require care from a medical professional. If you cut yourself by accident and the wound is more than 1.5 inches, deeper than a quarter of an inch, or won’t stop bleeding - you should seek medical care. Similarly, if your injury is near or on a joint, on a sensitive area, or the object that you injured yourself with was dirty, always seek medical care. These circumstances likely require stitches to ensure proper healing and prevent infection.
Signs of Infection
After a cut or wound is stitched, watching for signs of infection is crucial to ensure proper healing. Common indicators of infection include increased redness, swelling, or warmth around the wound, as well as the presence of pus or drainage that may be foul-smelling. The area may also become painful, and you might develop a fever. If symptoms persist, seeking medical attention promptly is important, as infections can delay healing and lead to more serious complications. Proper wound care, including cleaning the area and following the doctor’s aftercare instructions, can help prevent infection.
Walk Into AFC Cortez for Acute Injury Treatment in Cortez, CO
Injuries can happen without warning. While some minor injuries can be treated at home with the proper care, there are circumstances where you may need stitches to properly heal your wound. At AFC Urgent Care Cortez, our walk-in urgent care clinic makes it easy to receive prompt medical care for minor injuries. Our clinic is open 7 days a week, including weekends, and we never require that you schedule an appointment in advance to receive prompt care. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you.
