Stitches

[melonberry]

I just received 5 stitches on my hand after a bad encounter with a knife. I have a bandage over the wound for today and tomorrow, but once I remove it, I'm afraid the stitches will get caught on things. Am I allowed to trim the excess thread, or is that needed to remove the stitches?

[stonekicker]

i would leave it alone. you don't need it to remove the stitches as these are individually cut and removed in small pieces. after a couple of days it will be quite hard to pull them out anyway and the dangly bits will help remind you the wound is there! you may also need to keep it covered for longer depending where the wound is to keep it clean and reduce the likelihood of infection. dressings are usually kept on for up to 5-7 days until a proper scab has formed, so be careful otherwise it might go manky! x