Even minor injuries can lead to unexpected complications, so it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. For more information, give us a call or schedule a telemedicine appointment. We proudly serve patients from Coral Springs, FL, Parkland, FL, Tamarac, FL, Margate, FL, North Lauderdale, FL, and Coconut Creek, FL.
Cuts and skin tears often don’t seem urgent, but what appears to be a minor injury can result in long-term issues. Even small cuts can become more serious than expected. Stitches can help reduce potential risks, even for less severe wounds. Here are some key instances when it’s important to seek medical care:
1. Wound Won’t Close
A common issue is when a wound refuses to heal or scab over. Cuts in areas that are constantly in motion or under pressure, like joints, may stay open or reopen easily. Stitches help keep the edges of the skin together, allowing for faster healing. Open wounds increase the risk of infection.
The skin’s primary function is to act as a barrier against dirt and bacteria. When a cut stays open, it becomes an easy entry point for harmful bacteria, making it difficult to keep the area protected for days or weeks.
2. Facial Cuts
Facial injuries often raise concerns about scarring. Stitches can help wounds heal more quickly and reduce the risk of scarring. A doctor can also repair wounds with uneven edges to minimize the opening and potential scarring. Proper medical care, including stitches, can also help prevent infection, which can worsen scarring.
3. Continuous Bleeding
Minor cuts typically stop bleeding after a few minutes. If a wound continues to bleed despite applying pressure and keeping it protected, seek medical care. While minimal blood loss is unlikely to be life-threatening, ongoing bleeding makes it harder for the wound to heal properly.
For the healing process to begin, blood must clot to form a scab, which seals the wound and allows the skin to get the oxygen and nutrients it needs to repair itself. Continuous bleeding hinders this process and can lead to complications.
4. Jagged Edges
Jagged wounds take longer to heal compared to straight cuts, as they have more area that needs to close. A doctor can stitch the wound in a way that creates a straighter, more even closure, which promotes faster healing. An irregular, unstitched wound may remain open longer and is at a higher risk of infection.
5. Slow Healing
Some people have a slower healing process due to factors like genetics, age, or underlying health conditions. Diabetics, for example, are more prone to infections and complications because of their slower healing rates. Other factors, such as certain medical treatments, obesity, and autoimmune diseases, can also delay healing.
Those with conditions that impair their ability to heal properly may require stitches. The elderly or those with compromised immune systems also face a higher risk of infection and complications, making professional care essential for proper healing.
Even seemingly minor cuts and puncture wounds can cause more issues than expected. At Family Medicine Walk-In Center, we can assess the injury, clean the wound thoroughly, and provide the necessary care to ensure a quicker recovery with minimal scarring. No appointment is required, and we’re open seven days a week.