Every amateur chef understands the threat of a misplaced knife cut that slices a finger. Other people experience punctures and deep cuts that are just as scary. During the adrenaline rush that comes along with these injuries, how do you decide where to go for help?
“Three major factors concern us as care teams: where on the body a person is hurt, how it happened and how badly they are bleeding,” says Staci Radtke, an emergency medicine nurse practitioner with ThedaCare. “It’s a stressful time, and we can help in many ways.”
Staying level-headed and having a plan can make all the difference. Radtke breaks down when, where and how to seek care for cuts and wounds.
Do You Need Stitches?
This is an important question, because it affects how you will heal and whether you develop a scar from your injury. You may need stitches if your injury:
- Doesn’t stop bleeding after 10 minutes of firm pressure
- Feels numb
- Is deep, long or has jagged edges
- Is located on your face (even minor cuts, if scarring is a concern)
- Is over a joint, which may slow healing
- Was caused by a bite or puncture from an object
Now that you’ve assessed whether you may need stitches, follow these tips to choose the most appropriate level of care based on the nature of your injury.
Tips to Treat at Home
If it does not appear that you need stitches, you may treat minor cuts at home. These steps can help with healing and infection prevention:
- Rinse the area thoroughly with mild soap and water
- Apply light pressure using a clean cloth
- Once the bleeding stops, clean the area and pat it dry with a clean cloth
- If a cut continues bleeding for more than 10 minutes or the wound keeps reopening, seek medical help
As time passes, pay attention to signs of infection that will require a doctor visit:
- Fever
- Foul smell
- Swelling, warmth or redness near the wound
- Thick milky, yellow or green fluid (pus) in the wound
ThedaCare Urgent or Primary Care
“Urgent or walk-in care offer access to care in convenient locations, with no appointment needed,” Radtke says. “They can help you without an appointment.”
ThedaCare Urgent and Walk-in Care, along with primary care clinics, can treat many minor wounds that meet these criteria:
- Closure is needed: You need stitches but have controlled bleeding and your wound is not deep or gaping.
- Clean-cut injuries: The wound was caused by a clean object, like a kitchen knife, and doesn’t involve contamination.
- No signs of infection: While the wound appears clean, it is good to get professional cleaning and care.
- Tetanus concerns: You’re unsure about your vaccination status or need a tetanus booster.
- Surface-level cuts: These minor scrapes or shallow cuts don’t need stitches but do require cleaning and bandaging.
- Follow-up care: The wound is healing, but you want to ensure it is progressing well or rule out infection.
Emergency Care
Emergency medicine experts can help in situations that require next-level care. Call 911 if you are unsure if someone can safely transport you to the emergency department.
Here are the circumstances where you may need emergency care to help start healthy healing:
- An object is stuck in the wound: Whether it’s glass, metal or plastic, don’t try to remove it yourself. Let medical professionals handle it safely.
- Uncontrolled bleeding: If blood is spurting with each heartbeat or bleeding continues after 10 minutes of firm pressure, this can indicate an injured an artery and the need for immediate care.
- Wounds in delicate areas: A doctor should evaluate cuts to the face, scalp, eyes, genitals or other delicate areas.
- Deep or gaping wounds: You can see muscle, tendons or bones, or the wound is too wide to close naturally.
- Serious wounds: If the cut has caused you to lose any body tissue, or if you’re unable to feel or move the affected body part, don’t delay getting medical attention.
- Rust-related injuries: Wounds caused by rusty objects pose a risk for tetanus, which can lead to serious complications like seizures, muscle stiffness, fever and excessive sweating.
- Animal or human bites: These carry a high risk of infection and should be treated professionally.
Here for You
“The experience of a sudden cut or wound is stressful and disorienting,” Radtke says. “After several deep breaths and a few moments to assess the injury, you have many good options for treatment and support.”
Find the care option that best meets your needs.
