What are your options if you accidentally step on a nail in your garage in the middle of the night? Most probably, your regular doctor’s office is closed. Would you go to the nearest emergency room?
Well, that’s not always a great or cost-effective option
Emergency rooms have exorbitant prices and are always busy. Surprisingly, many people are not aware that you can get treatment for most non-life-threatening conditions, including cuts from urgent care centers.
More importantly, urgent care centers are widely accessible, open for extended hours, and affordable.
Consider visiting a nearby and trusted urgent care center whenever you have an open wound needing immediate medical attention and stitching.
A stitch on your skin is similar to those on the clothes— a run of thread that holds a wound together. A physician can use materials like nylon or silk to patch your skin. In the case of a mouth wound, the doctor uses a material that dissolves on its own
If you have a wound, a stitch minimizes the scar, lowers the chances of bleeding and infection, and enhances healing.
You might need stitches if you accidentally chop yourself while preparing for dinner.
First, assess if it’s an emergency and whether you need to call an ambulance.
If you encounter the following signs, you need immediate care.
If it’s not an emergency, here’s how to tell if you need stitches.
The size of the cut or tear in the flesh matters when determining if it needs stitches.
Your wound may need a stitch if:
The size of the wound also determines how the wound is closed. A minor injury of less than half an inch may only need sterile adhesive tape. On the other hand, the physician may use staples instead of stitches for an injury on the head.
The location of your wound increases its severity and the need for stitching. See a doctor if the cut is located in any of these areas:
Cuts near the genitals or cosmetically significant areas like eyes should be examined by a physician immediately. Similarly, cuts on sensitive areas of the face, like eyelids, are concerning because they can impair functioning.
You may also need a tetanus booster plus medication if an animal or human bite causes your wound. If left untreated, the risk of infection increases and can lead to rabies in case of a dog bite.
Also, get treatment if the wound is caused by a dirty or rusty metal or pointed object that might have pierced your skin, especially at the bottom of the shoe.
A physician should constantly evaluate these wounds, even if they’re minor.
Your wound most likely needs stitches if:
Seek immediate medical attention if blood is gushing from the wound.
You’ll need to see a doctor for stitching and medical care if you see signs of infections, including:
Visit the nearest urgent care for any of the following:
Your teen daughter needs immediate medical attention if they fall in a driveway and are profusely bleeding. In addition to limited healthcare options at night, an open wound risks an infection if left untreated.
Fortunately, urgent care centers are open for extended hours, making it an ideal option for anyone looking for medical attention at night or on weekends.
At Lifeline Urgent Care Center, we are a well-equipped and adequately staffed health facility that opens 7 days a week.
Contact us online or call us at 281.771.1144 to book an appointment.
Lifeline Urgent Care is a go to in your time of medical need. The staff there were professional, attentive and helpful. They handled me with care and listened to my concerns. Marissa, the physician assistant was so good I wanted her as my PCP. I definitely will go back if I need urgent care. Thank you.
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