Although stitches are common, they still require special medical attention. Removing your own stitches comes with risk. Most doctors prefer you have stitches removed in their office, but not everyone heeds that advice. Still, some people choose to remove their own stitches. You can do so, but be sure to discuss your plans with your doctor first. Your doctor can provide recommendations and instructions so that you remove your stitches properly.
They can also give you tips on preventing infection or scarring if your stitches are removed prematurely. Confirm with your doctor how many days you should wait before removing stitches. See your doctor as soon as you can. Get instructions: Ask your doctor or medical provider for step-by-step instructions for removing your own stitches. Sutures, or stitches, are either absorbable or nonabsorbable.
Absorbable sutures are often used for internal stitching. The material of absorbable sutures is designed to break down over time and dissolve. Nonabsorbable sutures must be removed. You need sharp scissors. Surgical scissors are best. Nail trimmers or clippers might also work. Collect tweezers, rubbing alcohol, cotton swabs, and adhesive bandages or adhesive strips. You may also want to have antibiotic ointment on hand.
Bring a pot of water to a rapid boil. Drop in all metal utensils, and let them sit for a few minutes. Remove the utensils, and use a clean paper towel to dry them.
If the wound is elsewhere on the body, call your doctor now. The cut may need restitched or glued if gaping open. This is sometimes done if suturing was less than 48 hours ago. Body Cuts and Over 48 Hours Ago. Call your doctor now for advice. After 48 hours, re-suturing is rarely done except on the face. After 48 hours, the sutured wound can be reinforced with tape. Cut Is Closed , but suture has come out early. The wound should heal up fine without any further treatment. Check with your child's doctor within the next 24 hours.
There are other options besides traditional stitches, like absorbable stitches and glue most often used on the face. However, for minor injuries that require stitches, you're most likely to wind up with the kind that needs to be removed.
Next time someone tells you snitches get stitches, remind them that they also get their stitches removed to prevent scarring. Skip to main content News. Dustin Nelson is a News Writer with Thrillist. You should not go swimming until your wound has healed and your stitches have been removed.
If your child has stitches, do not let them play with water, mud, sand and paint. Children may also be advised to avoid PE at school until their wound has healed. Signs of infection Watch out for any signs of infection near or around the stitches, such as: swelling increased redness around the wound pus or bleeding from the wound the wound feeling warm an unpleasant smell from the wound increasing pain a high temperature swollen glands If you have any of these symptoms, speak to a GP or call NHS for advice.
Removing stitches You will be told if you need to return to a GP or a nurse to have your stitches removed. These are the usual time periods: stitches on your head — you'll need to return after 3 to 5 days stitches over joints, such as your knees or elbows — you'll need to return after 10 to 14 days stitches on other parts of your body — you'll need to return after 7 to 10 days Some stitches are designed to dissolve gradually and will disappear on their own.
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