How to Apply Steri Strips

Close small cuts at home with Steri-Strips.

Steri-Strips are adhesive skin closures used to close shallow lacerations or surgical incisions. Steri-Strips can be used alone or with sutures and staples. These adhesives are hypoallergenic and there is less chance for infection and scarring than with staples and sutures. Treating lacerations with Steri-Strips is fast and convenient, but you should never treat a laceration that is deep, infected, has jagged edges or has dirt in it that will not come out. If you have any of these complications contact your doctor to be treated.

Things You'll Need

• Steri-Strips

Instructions

Step 1

1. Clean and dry at least two inches of skin around the wound for good adhesion. Compound Benzoin Tincture may be applied to enhance adhesion.

2. Open the package. Remove the Steri-Strip card and card end tab.

3. Grasp the end of a Steri-Strip and lift it upward from card.

4. Use your fingers to push the wound edges together and place the Steri-Strip across the wound. Press firmly in place.

5. Add more Steri-Strips across the wound until the wound is closed. The strips should be placed approximately one-eighth of an inch apart.

6. Align additional strips parallel to the wound, approximately one-half of an inch from strip ends, to prevent premature lifting.

Tips & Warnings

• Skin should be free of oil and moisture to ensure good adhesion.

• Do not pull skin too tight when applying Steri-Strips. This can cause your skin to blister or loss of adhesion of the strips.

• Be careful when removing Steri-Strips. They may cause your skin to strip, or come off, when removed.

References

• 3M: Steri-Strip: Skin Closures
• Family Doctor: First Aid: Cuts, Scraps and Stitches

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Utah Mountain Biking: Bandaging Materials