The cut is deep enough that you can see fat, muscle, or bone
The wound edges are gaping open and do not stay closed
Bleeding does not stop after 10 to 15 minutes of firm, direct pressure
The cut is longer than about half an inch and appears to need closure
The wound is on the face, eyelid, lip, or near the eye
The cut is on the hand, foot, joint, or over a moving area
The wound was caused by a bite from a person or animal
The cut was caused by a dirty, rusty, or contaminated object
The wound has dirt, glass, metal, or other debris embedded in it
The cut is very painful, numb, or you cannot move the area normally
The injury is from a puncture, crush, or tear rather than a simple slice
The wound is on the genitals or another sensitive area
The cut is over a scar, surgical site, or skin that opens easily
The injury happened more than 6 to 8 hours ago and is still open
You have not had a tetanus shot in the last 5 to 10 years, depending on the wound
You have signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever
You are unsure whether the wound needs stitches and it may need medical closure