Accidents happen—whether a kitchen mishap, a sports injury, or a simple slip with a sharp object. When a cut is deep enough to need stitches, many wonder: Can urgent care do stitches, or do I need to go to the ER?
The good news is that most urgent care centers can handle stitches for minor to moderately severe cuts. However, there are cases where a hospital emergency room is the better option. Let’s explore when Central Illinois Urgent Care is the right choice, what to expect, and why you should consider getting a tetanus shot as part of your wound care.
When Can Urgent Care Handle Stitches?
Urgent care centers are designed to treat non-life-threatening but time-sensitive medical issues. Most urgent care clinics can provide stitches for:
- Lacerations (deep cuts) that won’t stop bleeding on their own
- Straight, clean cuts (such as those from knives or glass)
- Cuts that are not too wide or deep (typically under an inch deep)
- Wounds that are not showing signs of infection (like pus, extreme redness, or swelling)
- Injuries that are not on highly complex areas (such as the face, hands, or near joints requiring specialized care)
If your wound falls into these categories, our urgent care centers are often a quick, cost-effective alternative to the ER.
When Should You Go to the ER Instead?
There are situations where an emergency room is a better choice. You should go to the ER if:
- The wound is severely deep, jagged, or gaping open
- You can see muscle or bone
- The cut is on the eyelid or genitals
- There is severe bleeding that won’t stop after applying pressure for 10+ minutes
- There are signs of infection (red streaks, pus, fever, or extreme pain)
These situations may require surgical intervention, specialized sutures, or antibiotics that urgent care facilities may not be equipped to handle.
What to Expect When Getting Stitches at Central Illinois Urgent Care
If your wound qualifies for urgent care treatment, here’s what will typically happen:
- Evaluation – A provider will assess the cut, check for debris, and determine if stitches are necessary.
- Cleaning – The wound is thoroughly cleaned to reduce infection risk.
- Local Anesthesia – A numbing agent (lidocaine) may make the procedure painless.
- Stitches – Depending on the wound, traditional sutures, dissolvable stitches, or adhesive strips (like Steri-Strips or Dermabond) may be used.
- Tetanus Shot (If Needed) – If your last tetanus shot was more than five years ago, or if the wound came from a dirty object, you may need a booster shot to prevent infection.
- Aftercare Instructions – You’ll be given guidelines on how to care for the stitches, when to return for removal, and signs of possible infection.
The Importance of a Tetanus Shot for Wound Care
Many people overlook the risk of tetanus, a severe bacterial infection that can enter through open wounds. Tetanus bacteria thrive in dirty cuts, especially those from rusty nails, animal bites, or contaminated surfaces.
Getting a tetanus shot at the time of injury can help prevent lockjaw (a severe muscle stiffness condition caused by tetanus bacteria) and other complications. If you’re unsure whether you’re up to date on your tetanus vaccine, it’s better to be safe and get the booster.
Final Thoughts: Is Urgent Care Right for Stitches?
In most cases, Central Illinois Urgent Care centers can handle stitches for minor to moderate cuts. Compared to the ER, they offer faster service, lower costs, and greater convenience.
However, heading to the emergency room is the safest option if the wound is profound, contaminated, or sensitive. And don’t forget—if your wound is dirty or your tetanus vaccine isn’t up to date, a tetanus shot can be a lifesaving addition to your treatment.
For additional questions, call your nearest Central Illinois Urgent Care.