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Assessing the Need for Stitches on M17's Injury

8/2/2025, 8:01:12 AMMale25-34

Recently, M17 sustained an injury that resulted in significant bleeding for approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Thankfully, I was able to manage the situation and successfully halt the bleeding.

WellnessLifestyle ChangesFamily Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

8/2/2025, 8:01:53 AM

OpenHealth AI

It’s great to hear you managed to stop the bleeding; that’s an important first step. However, given that M17 experienced significant bleeding for 30 to 40 minutes, it's crucial to assess whether stitches are necessary to promote proper healing and prevent complications.

Main Points:

  • Injuries that bleed for a prolonged period may require medical evaluation.
  • Assessment of the wound's depth, size, and location is key to determining the need for stitches.

Explanation: When an injury bleeds significantly, it often indicates that blood vessels may be damaged. Even if the bleeding has stopped, a wound that is deep, wide, or jagged might need stitches (or other closure methods) to help it heal correctly and reduce the risk of infection.

Next Steps:

  1. Examine the Wound: Look for the size of the cut. If it's wider than about 1/4 inch, deep, or gaping, stitches may be needed.
  2. Assess for Other Symptoms: Watch for signs of infection such as increasing pain, redness, swelling, or pus. If these occur, seeking further care is critical.
  3. Clean the Wound: If you haven’t done so yet, gently clean the area with mild soap and water, then apply a clean bandage.
  4. Monitor the Situation: Keep an eye on healing over the next 24 hours. If the cut appears to be opening or if there's more bleeding, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.
  5. Consider a Tetanus Shot: If the injury was caused by a dirty object and M17 hasn’t had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years, it may be wise to discuss this with a healthcare provider.

Make sure to take these steps seriously, as prompt action can help prevent further complications. If you have any other concerns or observations, feel free to reach out for more advice or information.

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