So my son has 4 stitches that were ready to come out a few days ago. I have tried the medical scissors I have in my surgical kit (but they slip off as they have no hook tip). Short of opening and using one of the scalpels to cut the stitches, is there any other way to get them cut so I can take them out? Like can I cut the knots themselves and still be able to pull them out? Can I untie the knots, maybe

And before you all recommend going back to the hospital, it's around 500 USD just to remove the damn stitches and I will more than likely feel like hitting someone (again) if he so much as whimpers. Why my surgical kit does not have hook tip scissors is beyond me...and why they did not put dissolving stitches in a kid is also beyond my understanding. (Decided to ask here since we have a bunch of do it yourself people )

Hey Stars...I feel your pain re the costs involved. Our beloved NHS is going for a burton soon enough so I expect we'll all be in the same boat.

They should be rejected by the body once they've served their purpose, so as long as you are monitoring for infection and so on, I wouldn't fret too much about them. They will likely work themselves out eventually and will no doubt come loose of their own accord as your wee one moves around.

If you're worried about them however, this may be of use:

www.wikihow.com/Remove-Stitches

Thanks Ab. But I fear the stitches have to be taken out. The thread they used feels like a fishing line, it wont dissolve and his skin will grow attached to it eventually (and I don't even want to think of what will go into removing them then).
The only time I have had a single stitch it was a dissolving one, so I have never had to remove my own (although if I had, I would probably just pull them up and cut them however I had do... but with him... he whimpers when I pull on them and it makes me wanna punch myself )

Didn't see your edit Thanks again!

Ah, I see...added a link to my post above which may be useful. If you can cut them close to the knot you should be able to pull them free.

Why on earth didn't they use dissolving stitches?

I have no idea... I mean, it's a 6 year old, you think they would have put dissolving ones in so he didn't have to have them removed. But when I mentioned them they were all "we only use those for internal stitches and they wont hold up quite as long as these will". Which is utter bullshit, my stitch was external, in a sensitive area, and it healed just fine... next time (hopefully there wont be a next time) I am just going to superglue his wound closed and call it good.

yeah just trim the knot off and use some tweezers. it might feel weird to have them slide through the skin so have him watch a cartoon or something instead of watching you

On the odd occasion where I have had stitches I have used regular scissors to cut them and then just pull them out.

There is a good DIY solution for stitches using a high grade or medical grade cynoacrylate adhesive (super glue). I have used it for a two and a half inch long deep cut. It was a two handed job, I held the cut closed while someone else applied the cyno. It can be a little bit tricky getting it to work when there is a lot of blood flowing. It's not great for fingers or hands in my experience. Well worth having in your medical kit or tool box. Super glue also comes in different viscosity's Thin, Medium and Thick. The most useful for stitches are the thin and medium variety.

Aww...you'll have to buy him a nice treat for being so brave.

That's all they'd really do at the hospital though, stars. As you said, you've done it before on yourself. Good luck!!

if you get some superglue get loctite glass super glue

I'm with batou. Any time I've found them a bit tight to get the sharp scissors under (which implies there is still a bit of imflammation) I've used tweezers on the knot to pull the stitch up enough to get the scissor point in. I find curled nail scissors are good for the job.

Frogs super glue tip works It's a regular method for many a workman. I've used it myself.

Thank you all!
An hour from the time I first started (and failed with regular scissors -- 30 mins from when I started with advice from you all and the link) and we have all 4 stitches out and are going to eat mystery food at McDonalds because that is what he asked for. Feel like I've been hit by a train and in need of a strong drink... funny, I didn't have a problem dealing with blood spraying everywhere when he cut himself but taking 4 stitches out and my hands shook and are still clammy.

A hug for you SC

I'd love a couple of big macs actually, or some kind of chicken burger things

Good news Bless him.......and you

Now make sure to tell him to be a good boy and not lacerate himself by having fun again

Well done Stars! And well done to baby Stars.

irrepressible wrote:
Here you go Irr. - grilled so the mystery meat is slightly more on the healthy side than fried...


@ Dub - I told him what you said, his reply is "he's crazy" (I informed him you weren't the one who cut himself with a knife, he had no more comment)

@ Abs... thanks again for the link, between that and advice from the others it got done with tweezers and nail clippers

Well your son isn't the first to say I'm crazy, no doubt he won't be the last

It's a sign that he's a good judge of character

You're a brave woman Stars! Well done!

Oo, that sounds nerve-wracking, SC! Well done to you and your little 'un!

Mandy