How To Use

How To Use Steri Strips

The following is a step by step how to use Steri Strips guide. This will entirely consist of text and no images. Should you require a visual representation of how to use Steri Strips the above video will guide you through the process.

• First clean and dry the skin at least two inches around the wound. If enhanced strip adhesion is desired, a thin layer of Steri Strip Compound Benzoin Tincture may be applied on skin up to the wound edge.
• Peel back the package tabs to access the sterile Steri Strips closures. Remove the card, using sterile precautions as necessary. Bend the card at end perforation and gently remove the tab.
• Grasp the end of the skin closure with forceps or a gloved hand; lift straight upward at a 90 degree angle. Steri Strip closures lifted at a lesser angle or directly back on themselves may “curl”, making application more difficult.
• Wound closure generally starts at the middle of the wound. Steri Strip closures must be applied without tension. Do not stretch or strap Steri Strip closures. Apply one-half of first Steri Strip closure to the wound margin and press firmly in place.
• Using fingers or forceps, appose skin edges as closely as possible. Press free half of Steri Strip closure firmly on the other of the wound.
• The rest of the wound should be closed with additional Steri Strip closures spaces approximately 1/8 inch apart by:
  • Sequentially bisecting remaining length of wound with Steri Strip closures or
  • Applying Steri Strip closure 1/8 inch apart until edges are completely approximated.
• If edges are not accurately apposed, remove Steri Strip closures over the affected area and re-approximate wound.
• Additional Steri Strips closures may be applied parallel to the wound, approximately ½ inch in from the ends. This may reduce stress beneath the ends of the Steri Strip closures, decreasing the risk of skin tensions blisters and premature lifting of Steri Strip closures.

When To Remove Steri Strips

In order to know when to remove Steri Strips, you’ll first have to speak with your doctor or surgeon. If the wound is only small and isn’t deep, Steri Strips can be removed following the advice below. If the wound has been operated on by a professional surgeon, they may need to take a look at the wound first before any of the strips are removed.

If you know when to remove Steri Strips, you’ll first need to soak them in water. This can be done is a bath without bubbles. Once the Steri Strips are wet enough, the adhesive will come unstuck. The strips should gently fall of themselves. If they don’t fall of themselves, gently pull until the adhesive or strip begins to part from the skin.

Things to remember if you don’t know when to remove Steri Strips:

• Do not get them wet until they are due to come off.
• Do not remove the strips to look at the wound.
• Do not remove peeling Steri Strips.
• If your current strips are coming unstuck, reapply new strips over the old ones.

How Long To Keep Steri Strips On

If you’re unsure about how long to keep Steri Strips on, speak to your doctor before removing them. Removing them early could reopen the wound, increasing the chance of infection and continuous bleeding.

If you’ve been given no extra instructions by your doctor or surgeon, not knowing how long to keep Steri Strips on can be a stressful experience. By default if no other Steri Strips have been provided, they’ll fall off on their own within 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, gently remove any remaining Steri Strips.

Butterfly Strips

Butterfly Strips should only be used on a wound that make it a good candidate for this specific type of stitch. If you’re considering using Butterfly Strips, you’ll first want to:

• Assess the edges. Butterfly strips are effective for holding together the clean edges of shallow cuts. Consider using a larger bandage if the cut has ragged edges.
• Assess the size. If the cut is too long or too deep, butterfly strips aren’t the best treatment. Butterfly strips aren’t intended for cuts longer than ½ inch.

If the cut doesn’t stop bleeding after applying Butterfly Strips speak to a doctor. If the cut becomes red, inflamed or swollen, it could be a sign of infection.