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:
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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.
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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.
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Do Not Remove Current Dressings:
- Leave the adhesive pad in place until you can get medical help, as removing it could disrupt clotting processes.
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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.
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