Should I Consider Stitches?
I’m a 24-year-old male, standing at 5’8” and weighing 170 pounds. I don’t smoke and I take 50mg of Zoloft daily. Recently, I accidentally sliced my hand on a sharp metal edge, resulting in a significant amount of bleeding that lasted around 10 to 15 minutes. After the injury, I cleaned the wound, applied some bandages, and left it to rest. Now, three hours have passed, and despite using a two-inch adhesive pad with double wrapping, the blood is still seeping through. Should I seek treatment at urgent care, or can I just manage it and trust that it will heal?
Answers (1)
8/20/2025, 4:41:02 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with a significant hand injury that requires careful attention. Given that the bleeding has continued for several hours and is still seeping through your adhesive pad, it’s important to reassess the situation.
Explanation:
When a cut bleeds for an extended period, especially if blood continues to seep through dressings despite initial care, there may be risks of complications. Factors such as the depth of the wound and potential damage to blood vessels or other tissues can make it necessary to seek further medical assistance, rather than simply managing it at home.
Next Steps:
-
Seek Medical Attention:
- Given the circumstances, it is advisable to visit urgent care or a healthcare professional. Continuous bleeding could indicate that the wound may need stitches to help close it and prevent further blood loss or complications.
-
Avoid Further Stress to the Wound:
- While waiting for treatment, keep your hand elevated above the level of your heart to help slow down bleeding.
-
Do Not Remove Current Dressings:
- Leave the adhesive pad in place until you can get medical help, as removing it could disrupt clotting processes.
-
Monitor for Warning Signs:
- If you observe any signs of increased bleeding or feel faint, lightheaded, or extremely weak, seek help immediately.
Being proactive about this injury is important to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of infection or other issues. It’s completely understandable to feel concerned, but acting promptly could help prevent further complications.
Related Questions
Could Poor Circulation Be the Cause?
At just 17 years old, standing at 6'5" and weighing 147 pounds, I’m a female who currently takes no medications but does use a vape occasionally. I’ve had no notable health issues in the past or present. Every now and then, when I rise to my feet, I experience episodes of tunnel vision that make it difficult to stabilize myself. During these moments, my vision becomes restricted, and it feels as though I'm swaying. While I wouldn’t classify this as a seizure, I sometimes lose grip on the objects I’m holding, and I feel a peculiar sensation in my eyes, almost like they might roll back. However, I remain aware and never lose consciousness. Just last night it happened again, and I ended up hurting my collarbone when I collided with the doorframe while attempting to steady myself. These episodes typically last for about 30 seconds, perhaps a bit longer. I’m reaching out to determine whether this could be a cause for concern or if I should consider myself fine, as I have a strong aversion to medical checkups.
Understanding My Relationship with Nicotine
Hello everyone! I’m new here and would love some insights. During my college days, I occasionally smoked cigarettes—usually just one each evening, with a maximum of three at times. After giving it up 15 years ago, I began using zyns about a year back, averaging around 5 to 6 per day, but I quit again last month. Now, I’m curious about something: both encounters with quitting were surprisingly straightforward for me. I simply decided to stop and didn't find myself yearning for it at all. It’s perplexing, especially considering how addictive nicotine is. I have friends who struggle to quit for years. What is it about my neurological makeup that allows me to stop using nicotine so effortlessly? Just to add, I’m 35 years old and currently healthy aside from being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis two years ago. Thankfully, I’ve seen significant improvements in my symptoms this year with Rinvoq and mesalamine therapy.
How Can You Best Express Gratitude to Life-Saving Doctors?
In 2016, I experienced a challenging pregnancy. It was classified as high-risk due to complications related to placental bleeding, which required me to be hospitalized during my second trimester. Thankfully, my daughter managed to stay safe, and she was delivered a little earlier than planned through a cesarean section. However, shortly after the operation, I faced a significant hemorrhage, which was truly frightening. My physician responded swiftly, employing three different anti-hemorrhagic medications, with the third finally proving effective. Had that treatment not worked, I would have required an emergency hysterectomy. This ordeal left me anemic for an entire year, and I remain profoundly thankful to my obstetrician for guiding both my daughter and me through this experience. I found myself unsure of how to provide adequate thanks, ultimately composing a sincere card and expressing my gratitude tearfully during our follow-up meetings, but it never seemed sufficient. Currently, I am nearing the conclusion of treatment for stage 3 cancer, and I am fortunate to be on a path toward recovery. Following surgery in the spring, I am now finishing my adjuvant chemotherapy. Although the upcoming survivorship phase brings anxieties about potential recurrence—I have a promising outlook indicating a low likelihood of relapse—I still need to express my thanks to my surgeon and my oncologist, both of whom have undeniably played crucial roles in saving my life. For healthcare professionals who have spent months with a patient facing significant challenges, what gestures of gratitude do you appreciate receiving, if any?
Should I Consult a Doctor? Seeking Advice
I’m a 19-year-old female dealing with concerning symptoms lately. Over the last few weeks, I have experienced episodes of feeling extremely lightheaded and a bit nauseous, akin to motion sickness. On occasion, my vision seems blurred, and sounds become muted, which is unsettling. These incidents have intensified recently, and they sometimes occur while I’m driving or when I speak too quickly or loudly. I can’t help but worry that there might be underlying issues with my blood pressure or blood sugar levels. I maintain a healthy lifestyle—I primarily drink water, eat balanced meals consistently, and get between 8 to 12 hours of sleep each night. Given my age, I assumed I wouldn’t have serious health concerns, though the worsening nature of these symptoms has left me uncertain about whether I should seek medical attention. In terms of health background, I don’t take any medications and have no previous medical conditions. I measure 5 feet 6 inches tall and weigh 140 pounds, and I’m actively involved in sports, which keeps me generally fit. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights on whether this warrants a visit to a healthcare professional. Thank you!
Understanding a 102ms QRS Interval on an ECG
Recently, I visited the hospital due to a panic attack caused by my ongoing cardiac neurosis, which makes me excessively anxious about my heart health. After spending a couple of hours there, the medical staff cleared me and assured me that all was well and there were no issues. Once I returned home, I took some time to review my medical report. Thankfully, my high-sensitivity Troponin T levels and other heart-related markers fell within normal ranges. However, I noticed something concerning in the ECG results: the QRS duration was marked with a star, indicating it is outside the typical range, and specifically measured 102 milliseconds. I’m a bit perplexed by this finding. Although the doctor assured me that everything was normal, the star next to the QRS value is raising questions for me. I've looked back at my previous ECGs, where my QRS duration typically ranged from 85 to 97 milliseconds. What could this signify? Is there something anomalous in my ECG despite the doctor's reassurance? Just to clarify, I'm a 26-year-old male.