Deep cut: do I need stitches?
Cuts that gape open, are deep, or are on the face or a joint often need stitches, ideally within a few hours.
🔴 Go to the ER or call 911 if there is
- Bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of firm pressure
- Blood spurting
- Numbness or cannot move the finger or limb
🟠 Get care today if there is
- The cut gapes open or is deeper than a quarter inch
- Dirt or glass is stuck in it
- A cut from an animal or human bite
- No tetanus shot in the last 5 years for a dirty wound
🟢 What helps at home
- Press firmly with a clean cloth
- Rinse with clean running water
- Cover with a clean bandage
Learn more from MedlinePlus, the U.S. National Library of Medicine: Cut →. This guide is general information for adults and caregivers. It is not medical advice, it cannot cover every case, and it is not a substitute for a clinician who can examine the person. When in doubt, seek care. FreeDoc is not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Library of Medicine.