You’ve Got a Cut or Scrape - Now What? Guidelines to seeking a doctor

You’ve Got a Cut or Scrape – Now What?

June 14, 2017

Some guidelines to help determine whether you need medical attention.

It happens to all of us at some point – there’s a little slip, and you’re bleeding. It can be difficult to know whether you need stitches, or whether the cut can heal on its own.

Most wounds should be closed within 6 to 8 hours after they occur. Clean any wound as soon as it occurs to cut down on the risk of infection, and try to stop the bleeding by applying constant pressure, and elevating it. If you plan to seek medical attention for the wound, do not use antiseptic cleaners until after the provider has had a chance to examine the wound.
Many people think they must go to the emergency room if they believe stitches are necessary. That is not the case. A Quick Care Med provider can get you fixed up quicker, (in most cases), and at a much lower cost than in the ER.

Guidelines for Seeking Medical Treatment for a Cut or Wound

If any of the following conditions are present, it is best to have a Quick Care Med provider, or other medical professional, assess your injury and determine the next steps:
• A wound is more than .25 inches deep, or .75 inches long
• You continue to bleed heavily even after you have tried to stop the bleeding
• The wound is gaping open or has jagged edges
• You have received a deep bite (from an animal or human)
• Wounds that appear to go down to the lower layers of skin, fat, muscle, or bone
• Any significant cut or scrape on the face (for cosmetic reasons)
• Wounds that were caused by something rusty, dirty, or potentially contaminated

(Source: WebMD)

Wounds that May Not Require Medical Treatment

It is always best to use your judgment when determining whether or not to seek medical treatment. However, it is less likely that you will need stitches if any of the following conditions exist:
• Your wound is less than .25 inches deep or .75 inches long
• The cut is from a clean object, like a kitchen knife
• The edges of the wound stay together while you move normally
• You have stopped the bleeding on a smaller cut or scrape
• The wound is from a puncture – these wounds are usually deeper and harder to clean, so stitches could actually seal bacteria into the wound and create a higher risk of infection
If you choose to treat the wound at home, the most important thing is to make sure the wound is cleaned properly. Use clean water ONLY to clean the wound. Soap, peroxide or alcohol is not necessary and can cause irritation. If foreign objects, such as gravel or glass, are present in the wound, clean tweezers with alcohol to sterilize, and use them to pick out the pieces.
• Once the wound is clean, and bleeding has stopped, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment – to fight off infection and keep the wound moist
• Cover the area with a clean bandage or gauze. Change daily or when wet or dirty
• Once the wound has developed a scab, leave the scab in place and uncover the wound. Exposure to air will help the wound heal faster

Signs of Infection

Whether or not you received stitches, the possibility exists that a wound could become infected. If any of the following occur, seek medical assistance right away:
• Green or yellow pus or discharge is coming from the wound
• Warmth on or around the wound
• Redness spreading out from the wound
If there is any doubt about whether you should seek medical attention, it is always preferable to be safe and have your wound checked.

Feedback

The entire staff was very caring. I had my toddler with me and she was a bit rowdy and they gave her crayons with coloring pages and stickers and even a lollipop to help keep her occupied.

Tanya C.

My son scribbled on a piece of paper and handed it to one of the woman in the front, saying that is say how his ears hurt, she accepted it and posted it on the artwork wall, when the PA came in to see him he was made to feel like a big deal because he had known about the paper. This is a place where the staff really cares about their patients and go the extra mile for them

Ron M.

Have been there a few times and hey have always been very fast, kind, courteous and welcoming. Always very helpful especially the front desk. The employee Heather helped me with pharmacy, paperwork and everything I needed help with. Only quick care I go too because of her.

Sapphire B.

I absolutely love our nurse Tiffany. She made our visit so comfortable. I had two very sick little boys who did not want to go to the Dr. She made the at ease in an instant and she took such great care of them. This was at the Quick care on 441 in Ocala Fl. I'll go back to this one because of her. And recommended to all my friends and family. Thanks so much!

Ray L

A Big THANK YOU, to the Staff at Quick Care Med, in Dunnellon!! My Husband was seen, for a couple different ailments, during his visit,, and the Two Practitioners who worked with Him, were AWESOME! They treated my Big, 200 pound, 6 ft. "Baby",, with Respect, Dignity, and Professionalism, and just the right amount of Calming Firmness!! Lol... he's afraid of Needles, and Doctor Offices, in general and I must say, that GWEN, & DEBBIE, were very good to him! Prices for services rendered, were ve

Cindy J.

Great sweet people

Myranda W

I was there yesterday and I've never felt so shocked. The 3 girls I interacted with were the most pleasant and friendly caregivers I've ever dealt with. Idr the rep's name, but she was quick and prompt at taking all my info and with minimal Qs (kinda hard to answer when I have a cold), then Alexis took over. Very sympathetic, nice, and helpful. Then the physician saw me and was charismatic and very funny. Trying to keep me in good spirits. It was like all 3 were happy to be at their posts and to

Julio R

Anytime, we've ever been there, all of the physicians are very caring and helpful, they don't rush or make you feel unimportant... I wish we could have them as our GP

Di C.

Very friendly,professional. Very caring of patients.Victoria was excellent. Took time to listen and made you feel comfortable.

Breonna S

We had Zaib Kahn as the provider and NEVER have I seen such a good bedside manner, as they call it! AND he personally called this a.m. to ask how my husband is feeling! (The pharmacy was closed when we left the ofc., and they asked us to allow until 11 to pick up the RXs, but that's NOT YOUR fault ;D I'm thrilled w/ Mr. Kahn's service and may well use your clinic for ALL my medical needs!!!! THANK YOU

Frank R

Professional staff, caring and organized. Prompt service for DOT related visits.

John S

The absolute BEST! Everyone here is so nice! We've had to come in a few times & they've always taken great care of us. We're usually out within 20-30 min. All the girls up front are very nice & helpful (you don't find that too often), so is the girl that takes your vitals. Dr B is the amazing! He takes his time to listen to what's wrong & always has a big smile. If we could have this office as our primary care location we would

Ryan M

view all