Accidents happen all the time– it’s human nature.

Whether it’s a paper cut or a scraped knee, even the accidental slip of a kitchen knife during fruit and vegetable chopping is common in nearly everyone’s life.

While many cuts are minor and produce minor bleeding and mild pain, some necessitate more attention or stitches. So, if you or a loved one have sustained a cut, you may wonder, “Does urgent care do stitches?” We will answer that for you here.

Continue reading to learn more about when you need stitches and whether a trip to urgent care or the ER is most beneficial for a cut.

Do I Need Stitches?

After a cut or injury, your first thought after cleaning the wound “Does my cut need stitches?”

When assessing whether you need stitches, you should consider the depth and appearance of the cut. It might require stitches if the cut is deep, long, or has jagged edges that won’t easily come together.

Visit urgent care for a cut when:

You believe you need stitches to close a wound and stop the bleeding
You have experienced an animal bite
You have mild to moderate facial wounds
Your injury is moderate to severe but not life-threatening
Your cut has signs of infection

How Deep of a Cut Requires Stitches?

The depth of the cut is a crucial factor in determining whether stitches are needed.

Generally, cuts deeper than 0.25 inches (6 mm) or those that expose fatty tissue, muscle, or bone most likely require stitches for proper healing and scar reduction.

If your cut is excessively bleeding, large, or deep, we recommend a trip to urgent care for further evaluation and treatment.

Can You Get Stitches at Urgent Care?

The short answer is yes.

Urgent care centers like Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care in Houma are equipped to provide wound care and stitches for various minor injuries, including cuts that require closure.

If the cut isn’t severe enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room, visiting an urgent care facility can be a convenient, timely, and cost-effective treatment option.

ER or Urgent Care for Stitches? Here’s What to Know

Deciding between a trip to the emergency room or a visit to urgent care for stitches depends on the severity of the cut.

Urgent care can provide timely and efficient stitch placement for minor to moderate cuts that aren’t life-threatening.

In general, if the cut is severe, with heavy bleeding or signs of infection, the ER is the right choice for you. If you experience a severe wound, you should head to an emergency room for immediate care.

We recommend emergency treatment for a cut when

The bleeding won’t stop
Blood is spurting out
A rusted object caused the cut
Muscle, fat, or bone is exposed
The cut is located over a joint
The injury is through a major artery or vein
There is an object embedded in the wound
You have sustained an amputation

For immediate care for a deep cut, call 9-1-1 now.

Get Stitches at Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care in Houma

Knowing when to get stitches is essential for optimal wound healing.

For residents of Houma and the surrounding areas, Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care offers expert stitch care for those who need it.

Our skilled medical team can evaluate your cut, determine if stitches are needed, and provide prompt and effective laceration care to facilitate proper healing.

If you or a loved one have sustained a wound that may need stitches, don’t delay. Visit us today to get the treatment you need now. We are open seven days a week with no appointments necessary.

How to Know If You Need Stitches