How to Apply Steri Strips: 14 Steps

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2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Steri strips are adhesive strips used to keep small or superficial wounds closed so they can heal. Before applying them to your wound you need to make sure that the surrounding skin is clean and dry. During the application check that they are parallel and that they keep the wound closed. Once applied, keep the area dry. If you find them difficult to remove, you can wet them with warm water and they should come off more easily.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Skin Around the Wound

Step 1. Clean and dry 5cm of skin around the wound

You should remove blood and dirt with alcohol or a cleaner such as Phisoderm. Pour the product onto a clean cotton ball and use it to scrub the area around the wound.

Step 2. Dry the skin completely

If moisture remains, the adhesive may not function properly. Blot the area with a clean, dry towel or cloth.

Step 3. Apply dye to increase adhesion

A benzoin tincture can increase the adhesion between the skin and the Steri strip. Pour the liquid onto a cotton ball and rub the area around the wound.

Part 2 of 3: Applying the Stripes

Step 1. Peel the strips off the card

You should do this by placing your index finger under the end of each strip and pulling up. You can take them one at a time or three by three using index, middle and ring fingers under them.

Step 2. Close the wound flaps

Place the index finger of the hand not holding the Steri strip on one side of the wound, then place the thumb of the same hand on the other side and squeeze them together.

Step 3. Start in the center of the wound

Applying the first strip in the center ensures that the wound will close evenly. At that point you can apply the other strips starting from the first, working outwards. It doesn't matter if you move right or left (or up or down) first.

Step 4. Press the strips

While holding the wound closed, place one end of the strip over it. Press as you spread it over the wound and pin the other end under the cut. The strip should be perfectly centered on the wound.

Step 5. Put the other strips parallel to the first one

The number of strips needed depends on the size of the cut. You should leave 3-4 mm between each strip and apply them all in the same way. At the end of the operation, make sure that the wound is closed along its entire length.

Step 6. Place the strips parallel to the wound along the ends of the first ones

The strips applied in this way prevent the first ones from peeling off, so that the wound has time to heal. Put them 1 cm from the end of the first ones.

Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of the Stripes

Step 1. Keep the strips for 3-5 days for head injuries

Most head injuries heal faster than those elsewhere in the body. Check the strips every day to make sure the ends don't come off. In that case, apply another strip parallel to the wound to keep them in place.

Step 2. Keep the strips for 10-14 days for cuts near the joints

Wounds on the joints usually heal more slowly, because the movements reopen them all the time. In these cases, leave the strips on for about two weeks.

Step 3. Keep strips for 5-10 days for other wound types

If the cut is not on the head or on a joint, you should strip it for 5-10 days. When the wound heals it will take on a light pink color. Make sure you notice that coloring before removing the strips.

Step 4. Keep the wound dry until you remove the strips

If you get the strips wet, they may come off. You can take a shower, but be careful to keep the wound out of the water.

If it is impossible for you to keep the wound out of the water, you can do sponging until you are healed

Step 5. Remove the strips by wetting them with warm water

When you are healed, you probably won't have a hard time peeling them off gently. However, if you can't get them off, soak a cloth in warm water and hold it over the wound for 5-10 minutes. Once done, remove the cloth and the strips should peel off. If not, wet them again.

Warnings

Do not apply Steri strips to deep wounds or those containing dirt that you cannot remove. In those cases, consult a doctor.
Do not tear the Steri strips. The adhesive securing them is very strong and can even tear the skin.

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