See a doctor immediately for a cut that will not stop bleeding; is deep, jagged or potentially disfiguring; might need stitches; is&nbsp;over a joint; might&nbsp;cause loss of movement or function;&nbsp;removes all of the layers of the skin; is from an animal or human bite; has damaged underlying joints, nerves or tendons; is&nbsp;over a bone that might be broken; is&nbsp;caused by a crushing injury; has&nbsp;an object embedded in it; or is caused by a metal object, says the <a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=acep" target="_blank">American College of Emergency Physicians</a> (ACEP).
Puncture wounds also require an immediate doctor's visit, according to the ACEP. Germs and debris are carried deep into the tissues by a puncture wound, and antibiotics may be needed. You may also need a tetanus, or lockjaw, shot, especially if you haven't had one in the last 10 years. 
Reviewed 3/20/2024
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Sources
<ul>
 <li>American College of Emergency Physicians. "Cuts and Abrasions." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.emergencyphysicians.org/article/know-when-to-go/cuts-and-abrasions">https://www.emergencyphysicians.org/article/know-when-to-go/cuts-and-abrasions</a>.</li>
 <li>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Whooping Cough Vaccination." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/dtap-tdap-td/public/index.html">https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/dtap-tdap-td/public/index.html</a>.</li>
 <li>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Diseases You Almost Forgot About (Thanks to Vaccines)." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/diseases/forgot-14-diseases.html">https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/diseases/forgot-14-diseases.html</a>.</li>
</ul>
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Do you need a doctor? Cuts and puncture wounds

Some wounds shouldn't be treated at home.