Is it okay to take out my stitches?!

Is it okay to take out my stitches?

I got 3 stitches on my upper arm. The cut is an inch two tops. Anyways, I got the stitches last Friday very early in the morning and the ER nurse didn't tell me when to get them out or anything. When would it be safe to take them out? I've heard 7 days, thought 10 days myself, and have read up to fourteen on the internet. I'm really confused about all of it, and I want them out as soon as possible. They are really annoying.

I'm asking because I'm taking them out myself. I know how to (steril nail clipper and steril tweezers) my mom did it when I was a kid, but she dosn't remember how long we waited, and they were in a different location anyhow.

Thanks

I have been a medic for around 8 years and have worked in a trauma ER for 3 years, the reason your so confused is because every doctor has different opinions. the best way to know if its ready to come out is if the skin where the suture is placed appears to be healing. Now the average time to remove sutures is between 3 and 14 days. 3 on an area that would be conisdered not a heavy use area (upper arm, forearm) usually about 10 dyas for the face so scarring will be smaller. and for any cut on the hand or over joints is usually 10 days to 2 weeks. as far a sterile equipment it would be nice but your wound is already scabbed over and your not actually going under the skin to remove the suture. you only have to cut the top and pull the string. so sterile is not an issue.