A cut likely needs stitches if it is deeper than about 1/4 inch, longer than 1/2 inch, gaping open, or still bleeding after 10 minutes of firm pressure.
Location raises the stakes: face, joints, and hands usually deserve professional closure, and bites always need review because they infect easily. Wounds close best within six to twelve hours, so make the call quickly. First aid comes before everything: firm direct pressure and elevation to stop bleeding, then rinse under clean running water and clear loose dirt. Never pull out embedded glass or debris yourself - that is an urgent care job. Check your tetanus status too; a booster may be due. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can talk you through the decision in real time.
What to do
Common questions
How do you tell if a cut needs stitches?
A cut probably needs stitches if it is deeper than about a quarter inch, longer than about half an inch, gaping open at the edges, or still bleeding after ten minutes of firm, direct pressure. Location matters too: cuts on the face, over a joint, or on the hands often need professional closure for healing and function, and bites - human or animal - always need medical review because of infection risk. Timing matters: wounds close best within six to twelve hours, so decide quickly rather than waiting overnight. Before anything else, stop the bleeding (firm pressure, elevation), rinse the wound under clean running water, and remove visible dirt - do not dig out embedded objects like glass yourself, that is a job for urgent care. You may also need a tetanus shot if yours is not current. Unsure in the moment? Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, that can walk through the cut with you while you decide.