How to Know If You Need Stitches: 10 Clear Signs & What to Do Next

Knowing when a cut needs stitches is an important part of proper wound care. Recognizing the signs of a serious injury can help you avoid complications like infection, heavy bleeding, or lasting scars.

In general, you may need stitches if the bleeding doesn’t stop with pressure, the wound is deep or gaping, you can see fat, muscle, or bone, the cut came from a bite or dirty object, or it crosses over a joint. In these cases, it’s best to seek urgent medical care.

This guide outlines the definitive 10 clear signs you need stitches, preparing you for prompt and appropriate action.

1. Bleeding That Won't Stop After 10-15 Minutes of Firm Pressure

When bleeding doesn’t stop despite steady pressure, it’s often a sign that the wound is too deep or wide to close on its own. Most minor cuts will stop bleeding within 5–10 minutes when you press firmly with a clean cloth.

If the bleeding continues, keep applying firm, continuous pressure and, if possible, raise the injured area above the level of your heart. This helps slow the blood flow.

But if the bleeding still hasn’t stopped after 15 minutes of direct pressure, it’s time to seek medical care right away.

2. Blood Spurting in Time with Your Pulse (Arterial Bleeding)

Even more concerning than persistent bleeding is arterial bleeding, which appears as bright red blood that spurts or pulses with each heartbeat. This type of bleeding indicates a damaged artery and represents a medical emergency that can lead to rapid blood loss.

When faced with arterial bleeding, apply immediate pressure to the wound and call emergency services right away. Don't waste time trying home remedies, arterial bleeding requires emergency medical intervention that only professionals can provide.

3. The Wound Is Deep Enough to See Fat, Muscle, or Bone

Beyond bleeding concerns, the depth of a wound is another key warning sign. Cuts that expose underlying tissue, such as yellow fat, red muscle fibers, or white bone, have penetrated multiple skin layers and require professional closure to heal properly.

For wounds this deep, avoid cleaning them yourself, as this can cause further injury. Instead, cover the area with a clean, damp cloth and seek immediate medical attention.

4. The Wound Is Long or Gaping Open

Size matters just as much as depth when evaluating wounds. Cuts longer than half an inch (1–1.5 centimeters) or wounds with edges that won’t stay together usually need stitches. 

Gaping wounds leave a larger surface exposed, increasing the risk of infection and scarring without proper closure.

If you find yourself gently pressing the wound edges together before applying a sterile bandage, the need to hold them closed is a clear sign that professional closure is necessary.

5. Jagged or Irregular Edges That Won't Stay Closed

While length and depth are important, the shape of the wound edges also affects healing. Clean, straight cuts often close on their own, but jagged wounds with uneven edges usually need stitches to align properly. These injuries often come from accidents with glass, metal, or other rough surfaces.

Instead of trying to trim or clean jagged edges yourself, cover the wound with a clean dressing and seek medical care to ensure proper alignment as it heals.

6. Location Matters: High-Risk Areas

Beyond the wound’s size and shape, its location also influences treatment needs. Some areas require stitches even for small cuts because of constant movement, higher infection risk, or cosmetic concerns. Injuries on the face, hands, genitals, or across joints almost always need professional attention.

Facial wounds especially call for prompt care to minimize scarring, while cuts over joints should be evaluated for hidden tendon or ligament damage that may not be immediately apparent.

7. Puncture Wounds, Bites, or Contaminated Wounds

The cause of an injury matters as much as how it looks. Animal bites, human bites, and puncture wounds from dirty objects carry a high risk of infection. These injuries may seem small on the surface but can be deep and contaminated with bacteria.

You can gently rinse the surface with clean water, but these wounds still require professional care for thorough cleaning, antibiotic evaluation, and a possible tetanus shot. Never ignore bite wounds, even minor ones, as they can lead to serious complications.

8. Loss of Function or Numbness Around the Wound

Sometimes the most serious warning sign isn’t visible but shows up as loss of movement or sensation. If you can’t move your fingers, toes, or other body parts normally after an injury, it may indicate nerve or tendon damage. 

Numbness around the wound also points to possible nerve involvement that needs prompt attention.

To avoid making the injury worse, don’t keep testing the affected area. Instead, seek immediate medical evaluation so any nerve or tendon damage can be assessed and treated before it becomes permanent.

9. Wounds That Occurred More Than 6-8 Hours Ago

Timing becomes more critical as the hours pass after an injury. Most wounds should be stitched within 6 to 8 hours to reduce infection risk, though certain areas like the face may still be closed up to 24 hours after the incident.

Even if more time has gone by, a medical evaluation is still important. A healthcare provider can decide whether delayed closure is appropriate or if another treatment is needed to support proper healing.

10. High Risk of Infection or Unclear Tetanus Status

Finally, consider your overall infection risk and vaccination status. Farm injuries, wounds from rusty metal, or cuts in dirty environments carry elevated infection risks. 

Additionally, if you can't remember your last tetanus shot or it's been more than 10 years, medical evaluation becomes essential.

In these cases, clean the wound gently with water, but don't delay seeking care. Healthcare providers can assess infection risk and update your tetanus protection if needed, potentially preventing serious complications down the road.

What Should You Do Right After a Cut?

Once you've identified that your wound needs attention, proper first aid can make a significant difference in outcomes.

The first priority is stopping the bleeding through direct pressure combined with elevation of the injured area above your heart when possible.

However, for severe bleeding that doesn't respond to pressure, don't hesitate to call emergency services immediately. Time is critical, and wasting precious minutes with inadequate home treatment when professional help is needed can be dangerous.

For wounds that respond to initial pressure, clean them gently with clean water, removing any visible dirt or debris if you can do so easily.

That said, avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol directly on open wounds, as these can damage healthy tissue and slow healing.

After cleaning, cover the wound with a clean, sterile dressing and seek professional care if any of the criteria above apply.

During this process, remember to consider your tetanus vaccination status, especially for dirty or puncture wounds.

What to Expect at the Clinic or Emergency Room

Understanding what happens next can help reduce anxiety about seeking medical care. Healthcare providers follow a systematic approach when evaluating wounds, first assessing the severity before cleaning the wound thoroughly under sterile conditions.

Following the assessment, they'll apply local anesthetic to ensure your comfort during treatment. Then comes the closure decision, which might involve traditional stitches, surgical staples, or medical adhesive depending on wound characteristics.

Throughout this process, the provider will also evaluate your tetanus status and consider antibiotic therapy based on infection risk factors. 

Additionally, timing plays a crucial role in treatment decisions, as most wounds close successfully within 6-8 hours of injury, though some facial wounds may still be candidates for closure up to 24 hours later.

How Long Do Stitches Stay In?

The time stitches need to stay in depends on the wound’s location and how quickly it heals. In general:

• Face and scalp: 3–5 days

• Neck and trunk: 7–10 days

• Arms and legs: 10–14 days

• Joints or high-tension areas (hands, feet): 14 days or longer
  

If absorbable stitches are used, they dissolve on their own and don’t need removal. Your doctor will give you specific instructions based on your wound and healing progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't you get stitches after 24 hours? 

Bacterial contamination increases significantly after 24 hours, making infection more likely than successful healing with stitches.

Can I use liquid bandage instead of stitches? 

Liquid bandages work only for very minor cuts with edges that stay together naturally. Deep or gaping wounds require actual stitches.

Will a skin flap heal without stitches? 

Skin flaps typically need stitches to reattach properly. Without closure, they often die and create larger wounds.

Are butterfly bandages as good as stitches? 

Butterfly bandages work for small, clean cuts with edges that align well, but they can't replace stitches for serious wounds.

Will a gash heal without stitches? 

Large gashes may heal but often result in wide, irregular scars and increased infection risk without proper closure.

Be Prepared: Practice Suturing Skills at Home

It's always best to be prepared for emergencies, and learning basic suturing techniques can prove invaluable in crisis situations. 

While professional medical care should always be your first choice, understanding wound closure principles helps you make better decisions and potentially assist others.

The Advanced Suture Practice Kit by Artagia Med provides an excellent foundation for developing these essential skills. This comprehensive kit includes various suture materials, realistic practice pads, and detailed instruction guides that teach proper technique step by step.

Medical students, first responders, and anyone interested in emergency preparedness benefit from hands-on practice with professional-grade materials. The kit simulates real tissue properties, allowing you to develop muscle memory and confidence in your abilities.

Order your Advanced Suture Practice Kit today and start mastering wound closure techniques with the same materials used in medical training programs worldwide.