Removing stitches at home: Is it safe?

Is it safe to remove your own stitches?

People should not attempt to remove their own stitches.

It is always best for a person to have a healthcare professional remove their stitches. They can ensure the wound has healed and that the stitches are ready. They can also ensure the safe removal of the stitches to minimize the risk of infection.

Risks of removing stitches at home

There are several risks associated with removing stitches at home, including:

• infection
• improper healing
• scarring
• pain

When is it safe to do?

Healthcare professionals use two main types of stitch:

• Absorbable stitches. These dissolvable stitches do not need removing. Enzymes in the body slowly break them down, and they will eventually dissolve and disappear on their own.
• Nonabsorbable stitches. These come in a variety of materials, such as nylon or silk, and require removal once the wound has healed.

It is essential that people do not remove their stitches until the wound has had sufficient time to heal. This may take several weeks. However, recovery time will vary from person to person and depends on several factors, including:

• where the wound is on the body
• the depth of the wound
• the size of the wound
• the general health of the person

A healed wound will usually look pink with closed edges. It should not feel painful, and there should be no blood or fluid coming from it.

What to do afterward

After the removal of stitches, it is essential to practice good wound care. A scar will often remain from the cut or wound, which is a sign that the body has healed itself.

Proper wound care may help reduce the appearance of scarring. This care includes:

• Keeping the wound clean: Avoid getting the wound dirty, which could cause it to become infected. After washing, dry the wound thoroughly with a clean towel.
• Using sun protection: Newly healed wounds are more vulnerable to sun damage. Apply high-factor sunscreen to the wound area or cover it at all times when in sunlight.
• Moisturizing: Applying a moisturizer, particularly one that contains vitamin E or aloe vera, may help reduce scarring.
• Protecting the wound: Depending on the location of the wound, it may be best to avoid any heavy physical exercise or sport for several weeks following stitch removal, as this can sometimes cause the wound to reopen. Alternatively, use a bandage or dressing to protect the wound during exercise.

Learn more about the stages of wound healing here.

When to see a doctor

Once a healthcare professional removes a person’s stitches, it is important to pay attention to how the wound continues to heal. A person should seek medical assistance if the wound:

• starts bleeding or oozing fluid
• becomes swollen
• becomes painful
• feels hot
• reopens
• starts blistering, or a rash appears
• smells bad
• feels hard or unusual

Any of these symptoms could indicate that the wound has become infected or needs restitching. A person should also seek medical attention if they develop a high temperature or feel feverish.

Summary

To ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of infection and scarring, it is best for a person to have a healthcare professional remove their stitches. Following a stitch removal a person should seek medical assistance if the wound opens or begins to bleed or leak fluid.