Stitches

Is it safe to remove stitches myself?

I called to make an appointment to get my stitches removed. AFter being tossed around on the phone, (they didn't even ask for my name) they just concluded to return to Urgent Care and find the same doc, and have them do it. O_o On top of that, it's quite the drive to return to the same doc. Is it safe for me to remove them myself. It's day 8 and they should be removed in 10 days. I have 6 stitches on the tip of my finger.

Public Comments

1. wait i go to urgent care they are very responsible and if you take them out your self you will ether die or become very sic and slowly die i say wait tell me your decision email spiro.johnson@yahoo.com
2. I always take them out myself.
3. Wait untill a professional removes them because they are properly trained to do so and with sanitation procedures.
4. Obviously the responsible answer is to say, "have the doctor do it." However, it is very safe for you to remove the stitches yourself. It can make you queasy if you have a sensitive stomach. You need to make sure you remove all the stitches/sutures. Sometimes the top stitch can get stuck under the skin. Make sure your hands are clean, and what ever instrument you use are clean. It may even be best to wait until day 11, to make sure it's ready.
5. If it was somewhere more sensitive and hard to reach then I would go to a prof. But if you know it has healed then take em out yourself, use a pair of nail clippers to clip and a pair of tweezers to pull.
6. It is never safe to remove any stitch from your body without doctors orders.You may catch an infection without iodine or right removal procedures.