How to Tell if a Cut Needs Stitches

October 4, 2022

Everyone gets cuts and scrapes at some point in life. We may experience them on a small scale, like a slight scrape on the knee. Typically, minor injuries can be treated at home with a few supplies in the medicine cabinet. However, sometimes we sustain cuts that hurt more than usual and may leave us wondering… do I need stitches?

Whether a cut needs stitches depends on various factors, including where and how deep the cut is. Knowing when your injury requires stitches is important for a speedy recovery. Visit AFC Urgent Care Waltham for efficient and convenient stitches, with no appointment necessary. Our walk-in clinic specializes in injury treatment for the entire family.

When do you need stitches for a cut?

There are some signs to look for within your wound that can help you determine whether you need stitches. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health. If you’re still unsure if your cut needs stitches after analyzing it, visiting an urgent care center is the best way to make sure you’re safe from further infection.

A cut may need stitches (or other treatments) if:

  • The bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes of applying pressure
  • The cut is deeper than ¼ inch
  • The cut is longer than ½ inch long
  • The wound is deep enough to show bone, muscle, or fat,
  • There is debris left within the cut
  • The cut occurred as a result of an animal or human bite, or was punctured by any other object that may cause infection
  • The cut is on the mouth, face, hand or genitals

If you have any additional questions or concerns about your specific wound, please visit AFC Urgent Care Waltham to seek care.

Can I get stitches at urgent care?

Whether you accidentally cut your finger while cooking, or your child fell off their bicycle and cut their leg, we recommend you seek treatment as fast as possible. AFC Urgent Care Waltham’s walk-in clinic is a quality option for families that require quick care.

The team of medical professionals at AFC Waltham specialize in administering stitches. Our urgent care clinic can provide wound care when stitches are required in a number of situations, including cuts that are embedded with debris. However, if your wound exposes muscles or veins, we recommend you seek out care at an emergency room. AFC Urgent Care is a great place to receive medical care, with convenient treatment options for accessible stitches for all patients.

Injury Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Waltham

Knowing the cause of your injury is one of the first steps toward recovery. Our walk-in clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art digital x-rays to diagnose and treat injuries. An accurate diagnosis is critical for knowing if you require stitches or not.

When you sustain a minor injury, the last thing you want is to wait long hours in an emergency room. At AFC Urgent Care Waltham, our experienced team is always available to assist with your acute injuries. Our board-certified providers offer high-quality medical treatment for a range of health concerns. If you have been cut or wounded and are unsure if stitches are needed, call us directly at (781) 894-6900.

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Call (781) 894-6900 for more information about our Waltham urgent care services.