Minor Cuts, Stitches and Burns
Wound Care You Can Walk Into
Prompt treatment for minor cuts, stitches, and burns at Family First Urgent Care
Accidents happen at home, at work, and during everyday activities. When you have a cut that might need stitches, a burn from cooking or working with hot equipment, or a wound that is deeper than you expected, you need care that is both fast and thorough. Family First Urgent Care provides walk-in treatment for minor cuts, lacerations, burns, and wounds that require cleaning, closure, or dressing but do not involve major trauma.
The team will assess the injury, clean it properly to reduce infection risk, and determine whether stitches, adhesive strips, or another closure method is needed. Burns are evaluated for depth and severity, then treated with appropriate dressings and pain management. You will also receive guidance on how to care for the wound at home, what signs of infection to watch for, and when to return for a follow-up or stitch removal.
If you have a wound that needs attention today, Family First Urgent Care is ready to help without the wait of an emergency room.
How Wounds Are Cleaned and Closed
When you arrive with a cut or burn, the provider will first examine the wound to assess its depth, location, and contamination level. The area will be numbed if stitches are needed, then thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, debris, or bacteria. Sutures, staples, or skin adhesive will be used depending on the size and location of the wound.
Once the wound is closed, you will notice that bleeding has stopped and the edges are held together securely. A sterile dressing will be applied, and you will receive written instructions on how to keep the area clean, when to change the bandage, and how to recognize early signs of infection such as increased redness or warmth.
For burns, treatment includes cooling the area, applying medicated dressings, and advising on pain control and blister care. Minor first- and second-degree burns can be managed in urgent care, but third-degree burns or burns covering large areas require hospital-level treatment. You will be directed to the right level of care based on the severity of your injury.
What You Might Want to Know
People often worry about whether a wound really needs stitches or how to tell if a burn is serious. These questions address the practical concerns that come up after an injury occurs.
How do I know if a cut needs stitches or can heal on its own?
If the edges of the wound do not come together easily, if you can see fat or deeper tissue, or if the cut is longer than half an inch and continues to bleed after applying pressure, it likely needs stitches. Facial cuts and wounds over joints also benefit from professional closure to reduce scarring and improve healing.
What is the difference between a first-degree and second-degree burn?
A first-degree burn affects only the outer layer of skin and looks red without blisters, like a mild sunburn. A second-degree burn involves deeper layers, causes blistering, and may appear wet or shiny. Both can be treated in urgent care, but second-degree burns require more careful dressing and monitoring.
How long after an injury can I still get stitches?
Stitches are most effective within six to eight hours of the injury. After that window, the risk of infection increases, and the wound may need to heal without closure or be managed differently. If you are unsure, come in as soon as possible so the provider can evaluate your options.
Will I need to come back to have stitches removed?
Yes, most stitches need to be removed after five to ten days, depending on the location of the wound. You will be given a specific timeline during your visit, and removal is quick and typically does not require numbing.
What should I do if the wound starts to look infected after I leave?
Watch for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or red streaks extending from the wound. If any of these appear, return for evaluation. Early treatment of infection can prevent more serious complications.
Whether you sliced your hand while cooking or burned your arm at work, Family First Urgent Care is equipped to clean, close, and dress your wound properly so it heals without complications. Walk in whenever you need care.