Do not remove stitches yourself unless a clinician told you it is safe to do so
Wash your hands thoroughly
Gather clean tweezers, small scissors or stitch-removal scissors, antiseptic, and clean gauze
Clean the area gently with soap and water
Sterilize the tools with rubbing alcohol
Use tweezers to lift the knot of each stitch
Cut the stitch close to the skin on one side
Pull the stitch out gently with tweezers
Stop if you feel resistance or pain
Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze if there is minor bleeding
Clean the area again after removal
Apply a clean bandage if needed
Watch for redness, swelling, pus, fever, or worsening pain
Seek medical care if the wound opens or looks infected