When Are Stitches Necessary, and Where Should I Go?

Accidents happen — and sometimes, you might find yourself with a cut or wound that requires more attention than a bandage can offer. Knowing when stitches are necessary can help you heal faster and avoid infections, but it’s not always easy to tell if your injury warrants stitches or not.

Our team at Memorial Springs ER is here to help. We offer fast, effective care for acute injuries at our urgent care clinic in Spring, Texas. Here are the signs that stitches might be necessary, and why urgent care is a great place to go to get them.

Signs you need stitches

Recognizing when a wound requires stitches is the first step to starting the healing process.  Always seek medical care if you’re unsure whether or not your wound requires attention, but here are some signs you should know that indicate it does.

Wound depth and length

One of the most obvious signs that you might need stitches is the size and depth of the wound. If the cut is deeper than ¼ inch or longer than an inch, you’ll likely need stitches to promote proper healing. This is especially true for wounds that expose underlying tissue, fat, or bone.

Uncontrolled bleeding

If a wound is bleeding profusely and doesn’t stop after applying direct pressure for 10 to 15 minutes, you should seek immediate medical attention. Stitches can help close the wound and control further blood loss.

Gaping wounds

The goal of stitches is to hold the skin together to allow for quicker and more efficient healing. That means if the edges of your wound aren’t easily brought together, or if the wound keeps reopening even after you’ve applied a bandage, stitches might be necessary.

Location of the wound

Cuts on your joints, hands, face, or other areas where skin is constantly moving may need stitches to prevent the wound from reopening. If the wound is in a high-risk area for infection — like your feet or hands — stitches can also help reduce your risk of complications.

Foreign objects in the wound

If there are objects embedded in your wound, or if it was caused by a rusty or dirty object, it’s best to seek professional care. We can thoroughly clean the wound, remove foreign debris, and close it with stitches to promote healing. We can also give you a tetanus booster, if needed.

Where to get stitches

Wondering where to go to get stitches? Your first thought might be a hospital emergency room, but hospital ERs often have long wait times — and you can get the care you need without the hassle.

At Memorial Springs ER, we offer convenient care for both life-threatening and non-life-threatening injuries. We have walk-in and same-day appointments available, and we strive to have shorter wait times compared to hospital ERs.

We’re open 24/7, so even if your injury happens in the middle of the night or on a weekend, you can walk in and receive treatment right away. Plus, our clinic is fully equipped with diagnostic tools like X-rays, CT scans, and labs, just in case your injury requires something more, like imaging to check for deeper tissue damage.

Our goal is to provide timely, effective medical care for everything from minor wounds to more serious injuries. Book an appointment online, or call us at 346-899-6737 to let us know you’re on your way.