Quick answer: A cut probably needs stitches if it’s deeper than about 1/4 inch, gapes open, is longer than about 1/2 inch, has jagged edges, is on the face, a joint or the hand, or keeps bleeding after 10 minutes of firm pressure. Get it closed within about 6 to 8 hours for the best healing. Urgent care can clean and stitch most cuts. Go to the ER for bleeding that won’t stop, deep wounds with exposed fat, muscle or bone, or numbness or weakness past the cut.

Kitchen knives, broken glass, tools and falls cause most cuts we see. Here’s how to decide what to do.

New to PACS? Start with our complete guide to urgent care in Alexandria, VA.

Signs a cut needs stitches

  • The edges gape open or pull apart when you move
  • You can see yellow fat, muscle or bone
  • It’s on the face, lips, eyelid, hands, fingers or over a joint
  • It bleeds through a bandage after 10 minutes of firm pressure
  • It’s from an animal bite or a dirty or rusty object

First aid

  1. Press firmly with a clean cloth for 10 minutes without peeking
  2. Rinse with clean running water
  3. Cover with a clean bandage
  4. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide or iodine directly in a deep wound

What happens at urgent care

The provider numbs the area, cleans the wound well, and closes it with stitches, skin glue or adhesive strips. If you’re due, you’ll get a tetanus shot. At PACS, laceration repair is $99 and a tetanus shot is $60 for self-pay patients, plus the visit. Learn about our minor injury care.

Do I need a tetanus shot?

Usually, if your last one was more than 10 years ago, or more than 5 years ago for a dirty or deep wound.

Go to the ER for

  • Bleeding that soaks through bandages despite firm pressure
  • Spurting blood
  • Numbness, tingling or trouble moving fingers or toes past the cut
  • Large, deep wounds or an object stuck in the wound

Frequently asked questions

Is it too late for stitches after 24 hours?

Many cuts can’t be safely closed after about 6 to 24 hours because of infection risk, depending on location. Come in as soon as you can.

When do stitches come out?

Usually 5 to 7 days for the face and 10 to 14 days for the body and joints.

What about animal bites?

Read bites and rashes.

Get care today at PACS Urgent Care

PACS Urgent Care – Alexandria
3481 N Beauregard St, Alexandria, VA 22302
Open 7 days a week, 8 AM – 8 PM · Walk-ins welcome
Call (571) 656-8838 · Get directions · New patient guide

This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911.