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Do you need stitches?

If you suffer any type of laceration, it’s important to receive immediate medical attention. Even if you think you can treat the cut at home, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You may soon find that your cut requires stitches.

There are many times when it makes sense to receive treatment from a medical professional:

– When the laceration is on your face. In this case, you want to see a doctor as it’s important for you to reduce scarring.

– Wounds that are more prone to infection, such as those caused by a dirty tool on a construction site.

– Wounds that are greater than 0.25 inches deep.

– Wounds that reach deep structures in the body, such as the bone, muscle or fat.

– Wounds that are located on a joint.

– Wounds that are longer than 0.75 inches.

– Wounds that continue to bleed even after pressure has been applied for 15 minutes.

If you’re on the fence as to whether or not you should receive medical treatment, it’s best to see what a doctor has to say. Even if you don’t need stitches, this person can provide you with advice on how to best treat the laceration as to avoid additional trouble.

Did you suffer a serious injury, such as a deep laceration, at work? If so, you should report the accident to your employer and then receive medical attention. Depending on the type, location and severity of your injury, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim with the idea of receiving benefits in the near future.

Source: Web MD, “Cuts: When Stitches Are Needed - Topic Overview,” accessed April 11, 2017