Cuts and scrapes are a part of life. Maybe you slipped while cooking dinner, took a tumble on the sidewalk, stepped on something sharp, or your child came home with a scraped knee. Most minor wounds are nothing to worry about and can be taken care of at home. But every once in a while, what looks like a simple cut may need medical attention. So how do you know the difference?
Start with the Basics
For a minor cut or scrape, the priority is getting the bleeding under control. Apply gentle, steady pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth. Once the bleeding has stopped, gently clean the wound with soap and water, remove any visible dirt that comes away easily, and cover it with a clean bandage.
“People sometimes focus on what to put on a wound, but one of the most important things you can do initially is simply clean it well,” says Dr. Nathan Kiskila of Marque Urgent Care. “You want to remove dirt and bacteria and then keep the area protected while the skin begins to heal.”
Change the bandage regularly and keep an eye on the area over the next several days. Some mild redness and tenderness can be normal early in the healing process, but it should gradually improve, not get worse.
Does It Need Stitches?
This is one of the most common questions when it comes to cuts. A small, shallow cut with edges that stay together will often heal on its own. A deeper or larger wound may need stitches, staples, or another method of closure to help it heal properly.
“If a wound is deep, gaping open, continues to bleed despite steady pressure, or you can see deeper tissue beneath the skin, it’s a good idea to have it evaluated,” says Dr. Robert Walker, Clinical Director at Marque Urgent Care. “Location matters too. Cuts on areas like the face, hands, or near a joint may need closer attention.”
You should also seek care for puncture wounds, animal or human bites, wounds with something embedded in them, or injuries where you’re unable to completely remove dirt or debris. Puncture wounds in particular can look small on the surface while extending much deeper underneath the skin.
Watch for Signs of Infection
Even a small wound can become infected, so pay attention to how it looks and feels as it heals.
Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pain around the wound can be warning signs. Pus or unusual drainage, red streaking away from the wound, or developing a fever are also reasons to get checked.
“A wound should generally be moving in the direction of getting better,” says Dr. Kiskila. “If the pain or redness is increasing instead of improving, or you’re starting to see drainage or other changes, that’s when we want to take a look.”
What About a Tetanus Shot?
A cut or puncture is also a good time to ask yourself: When was my last tetanus shot?
Tetanus bacteria can enter the body through broken skin, particularly through puncture wounds and wounds contaminated with dirt, soil, or saliva. Whether you need a tetanus-containing vaccine after an injury depends on the type of wound and your vaccination history.
For someone who completed their primary tetanus vaccine series, CDC guidance recommends a booster when it has been 10 or more years since the last dose for a clean, minor wound, or 5 or more years for a dirty or major wound. Unvaccinated people, those who haven’t completed the initial series, or those who aren’t sure of their vaccination history should be evaluated for vaccination after a wound.
“If you can’t remember when you last had a tetanus shot, tell your provider,” says Dr. Walker. “We can look at the type of injury along with your vaccination history and determine what’s appropriate.”
When Home Care Isn’t Enough
Sometimes it’s obvious that a wound needs medical attention. Other times, you’re simply not sure, and that’s okay. Have a wound evaluated if it’s deep or gaping, won’t stop bleeding with direct pressure, contains debris you can’t easily remove, was caused by a bite or puncture, or begins showing signs of infection. If there is severe or uncontrolled bleeding, loss of feeling or function, or another serious injury, seek emergency medical care.
The sooner a concerning wound is evaluated, the sooner a provider can properly clean it, determine whether it needs closure, assess your tetanus vaccination status, and help reduce the risk of complications.
Marque Urgent Care is open 7 days a week for cuts, scrapes, minor wounds, and other everyday injuries. When you’re not sure if home care is enough, we’re here to take a look.
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