Emergency Stitches in San Antonio

A cut, known medically as a laceration, can be a minor wound requiring a Band-Aid, cleaning, and antibiotic ointment. Some cuts may need medical attention. They may be deep, bleeding significantly, jagged, or at risk for infection. Some lacerations may not heal properly without stitches.

Prestige ER offers prompt and expert care for cuts and wounds. Our providers offer comprehensive care, including stitches, lab tests, and tetanus shots. If you’ve experienced a cut and think you need care, come and see us immediately at any of our San Antonio Locations.

When Do I Need Stitches?

We’ve all experienced cuts, animal scratches, and scrapes. Sometimes, these can be cared for using basic first aid at home. For some cuts and wounds, it is vital to seek medical attention.

Cuts resulting from human or animal bites should always be assessed and treated by a clinician. You may need oral antibiotics to prevent an infection.

You need to see a medical professional after cuts caused by a dirty, wooden, or metal object. If you haven’t had a tetanus booster shot within the last ten years, you will likely need one.

Certain signs indicate you need medical attention for your cut, which may include emergency stitches.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Your cut is gaping open, and gentle pressure does not easily close it.
Your cut is deep.
You can see underlying tissues through your cut (such as fat, muscle, or bone).
Your cut is over a joint.
Your cut is on your face or near a sensitive area.
You can’t stop the bleeding.
Your cut is spurting blood.
You are feeling faint.
You were cut by a metal, rusty, or dirty object.
Your wound is dirty, and you are unable to clean it fully.
You have a foreign object embedded in your wound.
You are unsure when you last had a tetanus shot.
Your cut or wound is from a human or animal bite.
Your cut has jagged edges.

If you or a family member have a cut or wound and are unsure if it requires emergency stitches, it is best to seek medical care. An experienced provider can assess the wound and determine whether you need stitches. You may also need additional care related to your injury.

Coming to the ER for Stitches

You may wonder whether to go to an ER or urgent care for stitches. We invite you to choose Prestige ER for cuts and wounds.

When you arrive at Prestige, our experienced staff will administer stitches and other essential wound care quickly, efficiently, and expertly. Your provider will assess your cut and discuss your injury and any pertinent medical history, including your tetanus booster status.

If stitches are needed, your provider will ensure your cut is clean and may administer a numbing medication beforehand.

We will ensure you are as comfortable as possible throughout your experience with us.

Your provider will give you instructions for caring for your stitches. Typically, you will be advised to keep them clean and dry at first. Later, you may gently clean the site with soap and water. You may be given instructions for changing bandages or applying antibiotic ointment.

Depending on the type of sutures used, your ER provider will give you directions on having your stitches removed.

First Aid for Cuts

Before coming to the ER for stitches or other treatment, you should take some initial steps to care for your cut:

Clean the cut as best as you can with running water. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide, which can damage tissue.

Apply pressure to the cut and raise it above the level of your heart. These steps can reduce blood loss.

Leave any foreign object embedded in your skin in place. Removing it before reaching the ER could result in severe bleeding.

Avoid eating or drinking before seeking medical care. Undergoing stitches or other wound care is best done on an empty stomach in case of nausea triggered by stress or anxiety. In the event sedating medication is required, it is safest for your stomach to be as empty as possible.

If you need an emergency room for stitches, sports injuries, or other medical emergencies, Prestige ER is your trusted San Antonio home for prompt, expert care. Find a location near you.