Stitches

How to remove stitches?

I recently cut myself on the bottom of my foot and got 9 stitches two weeks ago tomorrow. I'm supposed to go and get them removed possibly tomorrow but I've missed so much work over this injury I don't want to miss anymore. So I want to remove them myself. I was just wondering if there were any tips or advice anyone could give me. I'm going to wait until wednesday to make sure I'm not taking them out to early. The incision looks good, not much redness, it's laying flat and it looks 5 million times better than it did. Any advice? P.s. I know to sterilize the tools I use and to clean it good w/ alcohol to remove and blood and germs.

Public Comments

1. Snip and yank. It's that simple. Obviously yank so the knot *doesnt* go through the skin...
2. Do not remove them yourself. If you remove them wrongly your wound could break open and then youw ould have to miss some more work. After two weeks it would be just about ready for them to come out anyways. Just wait until your dr. appointment so you don't do more damage and have to miss even more work!
3. First, I would recommend you go to the dr to have this done, but since I know you aren't going to. You snip the stitches with small scissors and then pull the stitch out with tweezers. My dad was a PA and used to take any stitches out we had instead of going to the Dr again.
4. If you absolutely insist on DIY, get a sterile suture set at the chemist which will contan scissors (for cutting each stich) and tweezers (to pull out each bit of string). If you still insist of DIY, make sure everyting is very very clean, desinfect the skin around the wound before you start.
5. You need to go to doctor to have them removed.That way they can evaluate the wound and make sure it is properly healed. If you take out the stitches yourself and develop an infection, you are on your own and the doctor will probably refuse to treat you. Particularly if workers comp or insurance cases. Your insurance might not pay for the procedure because you didn't follow medical advice if it got infected. Nurse of twenty two years.
6. It is a simple procedure, as long as it does not look infected, by that I mean red, swollen, oozing pus, etc. I've done it many times without any problems arising, so if you don't have time to waste, waiting in the doctors office, to have them removed. Here is a website (listed below) that will tell you step by step, how to properly remove them. Good luck, it is very simple, but don't wait any longer. Usually 10 days is long enough, if you wait too long the skin may start to grow over the sutures.