Do I need stitches? ER or urgent care for a cut
Most small cuts heal at home. A cut that gapes open, is deep, or is on the face may need stitches 1, and stitches work best when they’re done soon: ideally within about 6 hours 2. Many cuts that need stitches can be closed at urgent care or the ER 3. Heavy bleeding that won’t stop is an emergency.
Go to the ER or call 911 if
- Blood is spurting from the wound: call 911 3
- Bleeding is heavy or hasn’t stopped after about 10 minutes of firm, direct pressure 1
- A deep cut to the chest, stomach, head or neck 2
- The cut is deep enough to see bone or tendon, or it’s large and deep 2
- Deep, jagged or gaping cuts, or cuts that could affect how an eyelid or lip works 4
- A bite from an animal or person that broke the skin 3
While you wait for help, keep firm, direct pressure on the wound with a clean cloth 1.
If you’re not sure, go to the ER. Find the nearest ER.
When urgent care can help
Urgent care clinics treat minor cuts 5, and many cuts that need stitches can be closed at an urgent care center 3. A cut likely needs a provider to look at it if:
- It gapes open, or the edges don’t come together on their own 2
- It’s longer than about ½ inch, or longer than about ¼ inch on the face 2
- It’s more than about ¼ inch deep 1
- It’s dirty, or you haven’t had a tetanus shot recently (see below)
Find urgent care near you, with hours and phone numbers. Not sure what it costs? See ER vs urgent care cost.
How soon to get stitches
Sooner is better. Cuts that need closing should ideally be checked and closed within 6 hours 2, and a delay of even a few hours lets bacteria build up in the wound 4. After about 24 hours, stitches are much less likely to be an option 3.
Tetanus shots
Adults are generally advised to get a tetanus shot every 10 years 1. For a dirty wound, a booster is advised if your last shot was more than 5 years ago 2. Wounds with dirt, soil or saliva, such as animal bites, carry more tetanus risk 6. If you don’t know when your last shot was, mention it when you’re seen.
Do I need stitches? ER or urgent care for a cut, answered.
General information, not medical advice or a diagnosis.
How do I know if a cut needs stitches?
Can urgent care do stitches?
How long can you wait to get stitches?
Related conditions
Skin infection · Abscess or boil
More guides
Stomach pain: ER or urgent care? · Flu: when to go to the ER · Kidney stone: when to go to the ER · Child’s fever: when to go to the ER · Headache or migraine: when to go to the ER · Back pain: ER or urgent care? · High blood pressure: when is it an emergency? · Diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration: when to go to the ER · Broken bone or sprain: ER or urgent care? · Tooth pain: dentist, urgent care or the ER? · Burns: ER or urgent care? · UTI or kidney infection: when to go to the ER · Allergic reaction: when to go to the ER · Chest pain: call 911 · All symptom guides · Urgent care or the ER? · How much urgent care costs
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Cuts and puncture wounds (reviewed Oct. 14, 2025)
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Skin injury symptom checker
- Cleveland Clinic: Here’s how to tell if your cut needs stitches (Dec. 1, 2025)
- American College of Emergency Physicians: Cuts and abrasions, know when to go to the ER
- MedlinePlus: Choosing the right place to get health care (reviewed July 15, 2026)
- CDC: About tetanus (reviewed Sept. 8, 2026)
Last updated November 15, 2026. General information from the sources above, not medical advice or a diagnosis, and not a substitute for being seen. If you’re not sure whether something is an emergency, go to the ER or call 911.
This is not for emergencies.
For life-threatening symptoms, severe chest pain, trouble breathing, or immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.