Removing stitches after getting cut or scraped hurts. The ends of cut hair and skin naturally come together to form the scab that covers your wound. The scab is made of protein and other natural elements that protect the wound from infection. Following the doctor’s instructions is essential for a successful recovery process after getting cut, scraped, or sliced somehow. Stitches are not just for aesthetics; they have a purpose in helping your wounds heal quickly, prevent them from reopening, and remain as invisible as possible at the same time.
Does Removing Stitches Hurt?
It depends on where the stitches are. If they are inside your mouth, they won’t be visible and therefore unlikely to hurt. If they are on the surface of your skin, they will be removed at the location where the stitches were placed. Removing stitches doesn’t hurt any more than putting them in did; it just feels like you’re pulling on a thread.
Why Do Stitches Hurt When They’re Removed?
- The skin around the wound is not totally healed. The area of skin around the wound is still inflamed and sensitive.
- The wound still has some scabbing on it. Scabbing protects the wound from infection, but it also makes it more difficult to remove stitches because you have to be careful not to pull out stitches that are underneath the scab.
- There are still some stitches in there from when you first got cut or scraped. If you haven’t been pulling out those stitches and they’ve started to come out because of their own weight, they can start to hurt when they’re removed because they’re coming out at a different angle than they were in before removal.
- Some people experience pain when removing stitches because of how sensitive their skin is where the stitches were placed or how much tissue was removed during surgery or after an injury When this happens, we generally recommend applying an ice pack (wrapped in a towel) over the area for a few minutes and then removing the stitches. This will reduce the pain. inches.
- Sometimes the skin around the wound becomes irritated or red after stitches are removed and this can cause pain, especially if it lasts for a few days or so. The wound needs to heal before it will start to feel better again.
- If you’re removing stitches by yourself, you might be pulling out your own stitches when it hurts because you’re doing it wrong, which can also cause pain. Please see a doctor for help with removing your own stitches if this is the case.
How To Remove Stitches
Check your doctor’s instructions
Yes, stitches are supposed to be removed after a certain period of time, but it all depends on the type of cut, your doctor’s instructions, and how you feel. If you’re experiencing pain or swelling, experiencing difficulty with movement or if your wound is taking longer than expected to heal, then you should see a doctor to have it examined. If the wound is healing well and there are no signs of infection, then you can remove your stitches after the recommended healing time. However, if you’re not sure, it’s better to leave them in till you consult with your doctor again.
Use anesthetic cream and gel
You can reduce the pain and chances of infection by applying a cream or gel anesthetic such as lidocaine before removing the stitches. This can also numb the area so you don’t feel any pain when removing them. Another good way to reduce the pain is by spraying the area with anesthetic spray, but make sure you don’t spray it near your eyes as it can cause irritation. Another way to reduce pain and swelling is by applying a warm compress on the site for about 5 minutes before removing stitches.
Prepare the area with a warm compress
Prepare the area by washing it with mild soap and water to remove debris and old blood clots. Use a washcloth or soft sponge to apply pressure on the wound and let the water run down the stitches. Press down on the stitches with a warm cloth to help soften the skin around it. The warm compress will help drain fluids and also help reduce the pain and swelling when removing stitches. The warm water also helps to clean the wound properly to avoid infection.
Use a stitch cutter or small scissor
Use a small pair of scissors or stitch cutter to cut the stitches one at a time. Avoid cutting the surrounding skin as this can lead to scarring. Alternatively, you can try pulling the stitches off one by one with your fingers. Make sure you clean your fingers with an antiseptic before touching the wound to avoid infection.
Disinfect the area again with Betadine
It is important to keep the wound clean and free from bacteria during the healing process. After removing the stitches, disinfect the wound with a Betadine solution to kill any remaining bacteria in the area. You can also use hydrogen peroxide to clean the area, but make sure you rinse it thoroughly before applying antibiotic ointment/cream on the wound.
Use petroleum jelly to soften the skin around your wound
Rub petroleum jelly on the stitches to soften the skin around your wound. This can make it easier to remove the stitches once they are ready to be taken out. This also helps to protect your skin from scarring by reducing the tension when removing stitches. You can also apply a light moisturizer or a vitamin E cream to soothe your skin.
Remove stitches using a pair of curved scissors
When the stitches are ready to be removed, find a pair of small curved scissors to cut them one at a time. Be careful not to cut the surrounding skin. Avoid squeezing the wound to prevent infection and bleeding. If the wound is bleeding, apply pressure to it for about 10 minutes to stop the bleeding.
Apply antibiotic ointment/cream on the site
After removing the stitches, disinfect the wound with an antibiotic cream/ointment such as bacitracin, neomycin, or polymyxin to kill any remaining bacteria in the area. Follow this up with the application of an antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin, Neosporin, or Polysporin. Bacitracin is a topical antibiotic cream that is used to prevent and heal minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Neosporin is another topical antibiotic ointment that contains the same ingredients as Bacitracin, but in a higher concentration. These ingredients will help to kill any bacteria and promote faster healing, thus reducing the chances of infection, scarring, and pain.
Conclusion
Removing stitches after getting cut or scraped hurts. The ends of cut hair and skin naturally come together to form the scab that covers your wound. The scab is made of protein and other natural elements that protect the wound from infection. Following the doctor’s instructions is essential for a successful recovery process after getting cut, scraped, or sliced somehow. Stitches are not just for aesthetics; they have a purpose in helping your wounds heal quickly, prevent them from reopening, and remain as invisible as possible at the same time.
