While most scrapes and minor cuts can be cleaned, bandaged and taken care of at home, a deep gash or wound might require professional medical attention to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of infection. However, it’s not always obvious when a cut or wound needs stitches. Here are a few factors that may help you determine the severity: 1. Size — If the cut or wound is deeper or longer than half an inch, you’ll likely need stitches. 2. Appearance — If the injury is wide or gaping, or you see muscle, bone or fatty tissue, you’ll need immediate medical care and stitches. 3. Location — Where the wound is located is key to whether or not you need stitches. A wound across a joint, on the face, on or near the eye, or on the genitals requires immediate medical attention. 4. Cause — Some cuts and wounds pose a greater risk for infection or other diseases, so you’ll want to get them checked out and closed up quickly. If your injury is from a bite or scratch, you may also need a tetanus booster or antibiotics. Puncture wounds and cuts from a rusty or contaminated object, or any wound that contains debris, such as gravel or broken glass, should be evaluated by a medical provider. 5. Bleeding — Regardless of how an injury looks or how it happened, profuse and prolonged bleeding probably means you need stitches. If you or someone you know has recently sustained a wound, come to Franklin Primary Care today! We have a team of professional and caring staff who are ready to help you with all of your wound care needs! Contact our office today to get in touch with a specialist. To book an appointment, call us or visit us online!