How To Know When It's Time To Visit Urgent Care For Stitches

Whether you’ve sliced your finger while cooking or had a run-in with an angry dog, one of the first questions you might ask yourself is, “Do I need stitches?” While some wounds heal just fine with a bandage and time, others require prompt medical attention to stop the bleeding, reduce infection risk, and minimize scarring. At Midwest Minor Medical, we’re here to help you make the right call, especially when you’re not sure what to do. If you're in West Omaha and need help fast, our urgent care clinic is ready to assess and treat your injury.

What Are Stitches, Anyway?

Stitches, or sutures, are sterile threads used to close and support a wound as it heals. They bring the edges of a cut together to stop bleeding, promote healing, and reduce the risk of infection.

Common Injuries That Need Stitches

If a wound is gaping, won’t stop bleeding, or exposes deeper tissues like fat, muscle, or bone, it likely needs professional care. Some of the injuries that usually require stitches are:

• Kitchen knife wounds

• Lacerations from broken glass

• Injuries from sports

• Accidental cuts from tools or machinery

• Cuts that occur with falls

  
  

How Do You Know if You Need Stitches?

If you are questioning whether or not you need stitches, you should probably visit urgent care to be on the safe side. However, we can offer a few scenarios where stitches will almost assuredly be needed:

Size of the Cut

If the wound is longer than half an inch, deep, or gaping open, it’s a strong sign that stitches are needed. Visit an urgent care facility as soon as possible.

Cause of the Cut

Jagged or dirty cuts, or those caused by rusty or unclean objects (like an animal bite), are more prone to infection and may require stitches along with preventive measures like antibiotics, a tetanus shot, or a rabies shot. 

Location of the Cut

Cuts on the face, scalp, hands, joints, or near sensitive areas like the eyes or genitals should be examined promptly. These areas are more vulnerable to complications such as infection and scarring. The scalp, for example, is a high blood-flow area, which means even shallow cuts can cause significant blood-loss. Cuts over joints are prone to re-opening, since they are frequently in motion. 

Will Urgent Care Use Glue instead of Stitches?

It depends on the type and location of your injury. Dermal adhesive may be used in place of stitches under specific conditions. It may be appropriate for:

1. Small, Clean Cuts or Incisions

   • Less than 5 cm (about 2 inches) in length

   • Clean-edged wounds with minimal tension

2. Face or Scalp Lacerations

   • Where cosmetic outcome is important, skin glue has the potential for less scarring than traditional sutures.

   • On areas that don’t bear much stress or movement

3. Pediatric Patients

   • Skin glue is ideal for children to avoid the potential trauma of getting stitches.

   • Quicker and less painful application. There is often no need for local anesthetic, which causes a quick pinch and burning sensation when injected.

     
     

Are Staples Ever Used In Place Of Glue Or Sutures?

Yes, staples are also used to close wounds in certain scenarios. They are ideal for longer, straight cuts in high tension areas like the scalp, torso, or limbs. Staples are inherently stronger and can help keep the wound closed more securely under stress or movement. They can also be much faster to apply, which makes them useful for wounds that need to be closed quickly (i.e. those that are bleeding heavily).

When Is It an Emergency?

Seek emergency care or call 911 if:

• The bleeding is severe and uncontrollable

• The cut is spurting blood (may indicate an arterial injury)

• There’s a foreign object embedded in the wound (don’t pull it out)

• Wound is on the chest, abdomen, face, or scalp and involves a deep puncture

• You show signs of shock, confusion, or faintness

What Should I Do if I Think I Need Stitches?

For non-emergent injuries, cover it with a clean, dry bandage or cloth and apply firm (but not aggressive) pressure to stop the bleeding. Keep the area elevated above your heart, if possible. Then, head to Midwest Minor Medical Urgent Care for professional evaluation and treatment. 

Urgent Care in West Omaha

At Midwest Minor Medical in West Omaha, we provide quick, expert care for injuries. Walk in any time, and we’ll help you heal quickly and safely, and with peace of mind. Don’t wait. Get the care you need today. Visit Midwest Minor Medical in West Omaha or call us now to check wait times and get directions. Your health and safety are our priority.