Is the cut serious?

Sometimes it can be difficult to figure out if a cut needs stitches or other medical treatment.

To help you decide if a cut may need a medical evaluation, here are some signs and symptoms to look for:

• The wound is deep enough to expose the dermis (the layer of skin beneath the outermost layer of skin) 

• The wound is too large to easily press the edges together, which could be the result of a laceration or puncture 

• It’s from a bite (animal or human) 

• The cut is contaminated or was caused by a rusty object 

Lacerations, Cuts, and Wounds – What's The Difference?

Lacerations and cuts are generally regarded as similar wounds, with lacerations indicating slightly more severe damage to the skin because it’s typically a ragged tear or caused by a sharp object.

A puncture occurs when a foreign object breaks through the surface of your skin and creates a small hole or incision. The wound's severity depends on how deep it is. Common punctures are from splinters, nails, pins, or knives.

If the wound, however, doesn't go much deeper than the epidermis, it may be just an abrasion. Those entail wounds that cause surface layer damage to the skin, and only sometimes draw blood.

All in all, any damage to your skin – whether on the surface level or several layers deep – is considered a wound.

It May Be Time For Stitches

Depending on the severity of a cut, stitches or staples may be required to stop the bleeding and help the healing process. After cleansing and exploring the wound, our medical professional may numb the area and apply stitches by carefully threading sutures from one end of the wound to the other.

For the healing process to continue, it's recommended that patients with stitches, staples, or Dermabond consider the following:

• Keep the wound dry for 24 to 48 hours after stiches or staples have been placed 

• After that short window, cool water and mild soap can be used to gently wash the area, though rubbing or washing the stitches or staples themselves is not advised 

• Pat dry with a clean towel, being careful not to rub the area 

• Apply fresh bandages and ointment if instructed to do so by your provider 

• Antibiotics may be prescribed, in some cases, to prevent infection 

If you have any concerns with how your wound is healing, seek medical care.

But What About Minor Cuts and Scrapes?

It’s also important to use proper care to avoid infections or other complications with minor cuts and scrapes. Here are a few reminders: While minor cuts and scrapes don’t always require professional medical treatment, it is important to use proper care to avoid infections or other complications.

Stop the bleeding – If the wound doesn’t stop bleeding on its own, apply continuous, gentle pressure with a clean bandage for 20 to 30 minutes. If the bleeding continues, seek immediate medical treatment.

Clean the wound – Rinse the wound with water and diluted liquid soap. If there is dirt or debris embedded in the wound after washing, book an appointment with one our medical professionals. Thorough wound cleaning reduces the risk of infection and tetanus.

Apply an antibiotic – Once the wound is clean, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment or cream. This keeps the surface moist, reduces risk of infection, and helps your body heal more efficiently.

Cover the wound – A bandage helps keep fresh wounds clean and bacteria-free. Change the bandage daily, or if it gets dirty or wet.

Watch for infection – If you notice the wound isn’t healing, or if there is increased pain, redness, drainage, warmth, or swelling, it may be infected. Book one of our medical professionals to examine the wound and determine proper treatment.