Do I need urgent care or the ER for a deep cut or wound?

Minor cuts and scrapes are common, and most can be treated at home. But when a wound is deeper or more severe, knowing where to go for care can make all the difference in healing properly and avoiding complications.

So how do you know whether to head to urgent care, the emergency room (ER) or treat it yourself? Here's a guide to help you decide. 

If you're still unsure, call our Consult-A-Nurse® line at (844) 70-NURSE (844-706-8773) — available anytime for answers, advice and support.

Signs a cut may need stitches

First, it’s important to learn which type of deep cuts and wounds may need stiches. You may need stitches if your cut:

• 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

Urgent care centers can handle many non-serious wounds that need stitching. Keep reading to learn when a cut requires emergency care versus urgent care. 

When to call 911 or go to emergency room closest to you

Knowing when you may need emergency care is important. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following:

• 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, you may have injured an artery and need immediate care.
• Wounds in delicate areas: Cuts to the face, scalp, eyes, genitals, or other delicate regions should be evaluated by a doctor.
• Deep or gaping wounds: If you can see muscle, tendons or bones, or if the wound is too wide to close naturally, seek medical attention.
• 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.
• Signs of infection: Redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or increasing pain around the wound are warning signs that require medical evaluation.

Getting treated quickly can:

• Prevent infection
• Stop the bleeding
• Reduce the chance of long-term scarring

If you don’t have a ride and can’t safely drive yourself to the ER, call 911. Emergency medical services (EMS) can begin treatment as soon as they arrive and continue care during transport.

When to visit an urgent care center near you

Staff trained for urgent care can handle a wide range of minor cuts and wounds, and your wait time may be shorter than at the ER.

Visit an urgent care center for these types of wounds:

• Closure may be needed: that may require stitches but have controlled bleeding and are not excessively 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 still needs professional cleaning and care.
• Tetanus concerns: You’re unsure about your vaccination status or want a tetanus booster.
• Surface-level cuts: Minor scrapes or shallow cuts that don’t need stitches but should be cleaned and bandaged.
• Follow-up care: The wound is healing, but you want to ensure it’s progressing well or rule out infection.

If you’re not sure you need urgent care and the situation seems under control, consider calling our Consult-A-Nurse® line at (844) 70-NURSE (844-706-8773). The nurse will ask you a series of questions and help direct you to the best place for care.

When to treat a wound at home

Throughout your life, you may treat a lot of minor cuts at home. These steps can encourage quick healing and help prevent infection:

• 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 it continues bleeding for more than 10 minutes, or the wound keeps re-opening, get medical help.)
• Apply an antibiotic cream to the cut, then cover with a clean bandage.

Watch for signs of infection:

• Fever
• Foul smell
• Swelling, warmth or redness near the wound
• Thick milky, yellow or green fluid (pus) in the wound

Visit your doctor or an urgent care center right away if you think the wound is infected.

We’re here when you need us

If you or someone near you is injured, stay calm and assess the situation. When in doubt, get a medical opinion — it’s always better to be safe.

And when you move to a new area, take time to locate your nearest location of the emergency room and urgent care center. Being prepared means you’ll know exactly where to go when the unexpected happens.