When To Call A Doctor?
Core principles of traditional wound care
You should call a doctor for wound care if the injury shows signs of infection, is large or deep, won’t stop bleeding, or was caused by a dirty object or animal bite.
For immediate medical emergencies Call 911 or your local emergency number for wounds with any of the following characteristics:
Uncontrolled bleeding: The wound is bleeding profusely, and the bleeding won’t stop after 10–15 minutes of firm, direct pressure.
Possible Situations
Amputation
- A body part has been cut off, even partially.
- Foreign object: An object is stuck deep in the wound. Do not try to remove it yourself, as it may be blocking a major blood vessel.
Severe injuries
You experience a chest, neck, or abdominal wound, or display signs of shock like clammy skin, rapid heartbeat, or shallow breathing.
Contact a doctor if you notice any of these signs of an infected wound:
- Increased pain, swelling, and redness that spreads beyond the wound’s borders.
- Pus or drainage that is thick, cloudy, or has a foul odor.
- Red streaks that spread from the wound up the arm or leg.
- Fever or chills, which can indicate the infection is spreading into your bloodstream.
For serious injuries
Schedule a doctor's visit for wounds with these features:
Deep or large wounds: The cut is deeper than 1/4 inch, more than 3/4 of an inch long, or the edges gape open. This may require stitches to heal properly.
Facial wounds: A cut is on the face or another area of cosmetic concern.
Wound location
The cut is over a joint, which increases the risk of nerve or tendon damage.
Animal or human bites:
Puncture wounds from bites carry a high risk of infection.
Dirty wounds
The wound was caused by a dirty or rusty object, like a nail, which may require a tetanus shot.
Crush injuries
The wound resulted from a crushing force.
Embedded debris
You can’t remove all dirt, glass, or other foreign debris from the wound.
Nerve damage
You experience numbness, tingling, or an inability to move the injured area.
If you are properly caring for your wound and it does not seem to be healing, you should call us. This includes wounds that:
- Haven’t started to heal in two weeks.
- Haven’t completely healed within six weeks.
Individuals with chronic health conditions are at a higher risk for wound complications and should consult a doctor for even minor injuries. People with diabetes should always seek professional help.