When to Go to Urgent Care for Stitches
A sneaky slip of the knife while chopping veggies, or a stumble that ends in a painful scrape. Knowing when to get extra help for a cut can make all the difference in proper healing and minimizing scars. David Agey, DO, UnityPoint Health, shares the basics of wound care and when to get stitches.
How to Tell if You Need Stitches
Not every cut requires a trip to the doctor, but some do.
Dr. Agey says, "If a cut is deep enough that there's a significant gap between the edges, you probably need something to bring them together."
Here are a few other indicators you may need stitches:
- Bleeding that doesn't stop after 5-10 minutes of direct pressure.
- Cuts over a joint or other areas with a lot of movement, as they're less likely to heal on their own.
- Wounds from an animal bite or contaminated object.
- Cuts that are so deep you can see significant tissue underneath the skin.
If you’re not sure, Dr. Agey says it’s always better to err on the side of caution and come in for evaluation.
Does Urgent Care Do Stitches?
Urgent cares can handle most lacerations and are often more convenient than an emergency room for non-life-threatening cuts. However, there are a few exceptions:
- Cuts to the face or lips, especially if they affect the lip line. "If those edges aren't approximated perfectly, it can leave a fairly bad scar," Dr. Agey says.
- Cuts to the head that involve a loss of consciousness.
- Pediatric injuries that may require sedation.
Does Getting Stitches Hurt?
While the stitches themselves don't hurt, the numbing injection that happens beforehand might.
“You’ll feel a small sting from the initial injection, but after that, you shouldn't feel the needle or the stitching itself,” Dr. Agey says.
You might feel some pressure during the procedure, too, but active pain should be minimal or nonexistent. After the numbing agent wears off, some soreness around the wound is common.
To relieve pain from stitches, Dr. Agey says, "Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are usually very effective for managing any discomfort."
Applying an ice pack to the area can also help.
He also recommends applying a thin layer of Vaseline or a similar ointment to the area. This adds moisture to the skin to reduce scarring and prevent the wound from crusting over.
How to Take Care of Stitches at Home
Your doctor will likely cover the wound with a bandage for the first few days, but after that, you can expose it to air. Keep the area clean and moist, while also watching for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling or pus.
To clean your stitches, use regular soap and water. While a little diluted hydrogen peroxide can be used on the edges of the wound, Dr. Agey warns against using too much. "Peroxide can actually kill good tissue and prevent healing," he says.
Can Stitches Get Wet?
You can shower after the first 24-48 hours, but avoid submerging the cut in a bath, hot tub or swimming pool for too long.
"You want to prevent the wound from becoming waterlogged, which can soften the skin and increase infection risk," Dr. Agey says.
He recommends avoiding lakes, rivers or streams for at least seven days.
How Are Stitches Removed?
For most stitches, you need to see a healthcare provider to have them removed. Sterile tweezers are used to grasp the stitch and small scissors cut the thread, which is then gently pulled out.
"It might feel a little strange, like a slight tug, but it shouldn't be painful," Dr. Agey says.
However, not all stitches need to be removed. Many internal wounds are closed with dissolvable stitches, also known as absorbable sutures. These stitches are made from materials that your body naturally breaks down and absorbs over time, eliminating the need for a follow-up appointment.
How Long Do Stitches Stay In?
The duration for stitches depends on the wound's location and depth.
"Stitches on the face might be removed in as little as five days to minimize scarring, while those on an area under more tension could stay in for 10-12 days, or even longer," Dr. Agey says. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions.
When to Worry About a Cut
When in doubt, it’s always best to be seen by a healthcare professional. "If you're really concerned a cut needs stitches, it's better to come in sooner rather than later," Dr. Agey says. If an open wound goes too long without being closed, it can’t be sutured and needs to heal on its own, which may increase the risk of infection and scarring.