I have 26 stitches in my arm. I've had them for the alloted amount of time my dr. told me to. Can I remove them myself?
Also, I have a few on my thumb right where my thumb meets my palm. They still hurt a little bit when I put pressure on them, is this normal?
Any answer is appreciated..thank you.
2007-05-09 14:55:44 · 4 answers · asked by Chelsea W 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
If you've got insurance...... just let the doctor remove the sutures... he will check for any signs of infection especially in that thumb that still hurts....Plus, if you miss a stitch, it COULD cause an infection like a boil much like a hair folicle can cause.... Plus you'd have to use a sterilized scissor AND tweezer to remove the stitches...otherwise you might also risk infection... The palm of the hand is an EXTREMELY tender place and because of the flexibility of the area in question where the stitches are and the extremely FLESHY skin there, wounds tend to take longer to FULLY heal... but let the doctor check it just in case there is an infection.....
2007-05-09 15:10:43 · answer #1 · answered by LittleBarb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never remove the sutures. If you remove them you probably most likely reopen your wound. If you reopen the wound, you would have to get stitched up again and you have to deal with them longer. Its not a big deal and dont always believe Doctors. Ya could say they be on this long but really you could get a infection or tissue hasnt healed. The ones on your palm and normal. It is a highly sensitive area there and its like paper tissue on the web between your thumb and pointer region.
2007-05-09 15:15:08 · answer #2 · answered by swept away in hopes 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure the doctor would prefer to remove them. My dad has removed his own. But I would still recommend going to the doctor for a follow up if you decide to remove the. One of the reasons you go to the doctor would be to let the doctor determin if the sutures have been in long enough. People heal at different rates..
2007-05-09 17:41:50 · answer #3 · answered by mn1463 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They tell you to go to the doc for a reason - he wants to be sure that everything is healing correctly.
Also, have you ever seen sutures being removed?
Do you know what equipment is needed? What do you do if one stitch won't come out? What do you do if the incision separates? [ opens up ] it will probably be uncomfortable when you get to the hand.
Go to the doctor.
2007-05-09 18:07:51 · answer #4 · answered by Nurse Susan 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋