Wound Closure at Home: When to Use Steri-Strips

Wound closure strips, often known by the brand name Steri-Strips, are adhesive skin closures designed to hold the edges of suitable minor wounds together while they heal. They can be a useful addition to a first aid kit, but they are not appropriate for every cut and should never replace medical assessment of a serious wound.

Contents

• How Do Wound Closure Strips Work?
• When to Use Wound Closure Strips
• Wound Closure Strip Sizes
• Steps for Proper Application
• Caring for the Wound Properly
• Safe Removal
• When to Seek Medical Help

How Do Wound Closure Strips Work?

Wound closure strips are narrow adhesive strips placed across a cut to help hold the wound edges together. Steri-Strips are a well-known type of skin closure and are commonly used for suitable minor wounds and, in some circumstances, to support a wound after stitches or staples have been removed.

The strips work best when the wound is relatively small, clean and shallow, the bleeding has stopped and the edges can be brought together easily without significant tension.

When to Use Wound Closure Strips

Wound closure strips may be suitable for:

• Small, shallow and relatively straight cuts
• Minor wounds where bleeding has stopped after applying firm pressure with a clean dressing or cloth
• Wounds with clean edges that can be brought together easily
• Areas of skin that are not subject to excessive movement or tension

They may be less suitable over joints and other areas that bend or move frequently because movement can loosen the adhesive or place additional tension on the wound.

Do not try to close a deep, gaping, heavily bleeding or contaminated wound yourself. These injuries need assessment by a healthcare professional.

Wound Closure Strip Sizes

3M Steri-Strip Skin Closures are available in several sizes to suit different wound lengths and locations:

• 3M Steri-Strip Skin Closures 3mm x 75mm (R1540)
• 3M Steri-Strip Skin Closures 6mm x 75mm (R1541)
• 3M Steri-Strip Skin Closures 6mm x 38mm (R1542)
• 3M Steri-Strip Skin Closures 6mm x 100mm (R1546)
• 3M Steri-Strip Skin Closures 12mm x 100mm (R1547)

Steps for Proper Application

Before using wound closure strips, make sure the injury is appropriate for home treatment and that significant bleeding has stopped.

1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Use disposable gloves if available.
2. Rinse the wound with clean tap or bottled water to remove surface dirt and debris. Do not try to remove anything deeply embedded in the wound yourself.
3. Gently pat the surrounding skin dry using clean gauze or a clean cloth. The skin needs to be completely dry for the adhesive to stick effectively.
4. Gently bring the wound edges together without forcing them.
5. Apply the first strip across the centre of the wound without stretching the strip.
6. Add further strips as required, spacing them approximately 3mm apart.
7. Press the adhesive ends gently but firmly onto the surrounding dry skin.

Follow the instructions supplied with the particular wound closure strips you are using, as application advice can vary between products.

Caring for the Wound Properly

Once wound closure strips have been applied, keep the area clean and follow the product instructions or any advice provided by a healthcare professional.

• Keep the strips clean and avoid unnecessary moisture while they are adhering
• Do not scratch, pull or deliberately peel the strips away
• Watch for increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pain or discharge
• Avoid activities that repeatedly stretch or pull the wound apart

If the strips come away before the wound has closed, or the wound starts to reopen, seek advice from your GP, NHS 111 or another healthcare professional rather than repeatedly attempting to close it yourself.

Safe Removal When Healing Is Complete

Wound closure strips are often designed to remain in place while the wound heals and may gradually loosen by themselves. The length of time they should remain in place can vary depending on the wound and the particular product.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or advice from your healthcare professional. Do not pull strips away prematurely if the wound edges are still relying on them for support.

When to Seek Medical Help

Wound closure strips are intended for suitable minor wounds. Seek medical advice rather than trying to close the wound yourself if:

• The wound is large, deep or gaping
• You cannot stop the bleeding, or blood is spurting and difficult to control
• There is something embedded in the wound
• You cannot safely remove dirt or debris from the wound
• The wound contains soil, pus or body fluids, or was caused by a bite
• You have numbness near the wound or difficulty moving the affected area
• The wound becomes increasingly red, swollen or painful, or starts producing pus
• You feel generally unwell or develop a high temperature after the injury

You may also need medical advice about tetanus protection if the wound is large, deep or particularly dirty, or if you are unsure whether your vaccinations are up to date.

For wounds that may need urgent assessment, contact NHS 111. If bleeding cannot be stopped, blood is spurting, the wound is very large or deep, there is loss of feeling or movement, or something is embedded in the wound, go to A&E or call 999 as appropriate.

Using Wound Closure Strips at Home

Wound closure strips can be useful for suitable minor cuts where bleeding has stopped and the wound edges come together easily. Clean and dry the area carefully, apply the strips without stretching them and monitor the wound while it heals.

The important part is recognising when a cut is beyond simple home first aid. Deep, gaping, contaminated or heavily bleeding wounds should be assessed by a healthcare professional rather than closed at home.

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