The cut is deep and the edges are gaping open
You can see fat, muscle, tendon, or bone
The wound is longer than about 1/2 inch to 1 inch and won’t stay closed
Bleeding does not stop after 10 to 15 minutes of firm, direct pressure
The cut is on the face, eyelid, lip, or another area where scar minimization matters
The wound is on the hand, foot, over a joint, or in a place that pulls open when moved
The cut was caused by a bite, dirty object, or rusty/contaminated item
The wound has jagged or uneven edges
The injury is from a puncture, crush, or high-force impact
You have numbness, weakness, or trouble moving the area
The cut is near or through a tendon, nerve, or artery
The wound is from glass, metal, or another object that may have left debris inside
The skin flap is large or partially detached
The wound is in the genital area
The injury is in a child and you are unsure how deep it is
You have not had a tetanus shot in the last 5 to 10 years, depending on the wound type
The wound is getting more red, swollen, warm, painful, or starts draining pus
You have diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system and the wound is not minor