From the Guidelines
Steri-Strips should typically be kept on a wound for 5-7 days before removal, as there is no significant evidence to support a specific duration, but this timeframe allows for adequate wound healing and minimizes the risk of complications 1. For wounds in high-tension areas like joints or those that are deeper, they may need to stay on for up to 14 days. To remove them, gently peel each strip from both ends toward the middle after softening them with warm water or hydrogen peroxide. While the strips are in place, keep the wound clean and dry for the first 24-48 hours, then you can shower briefly but avoid soaking the area. Pat the strips dry afterward rather than rubbing. If the strips fall off before 5 days, consider replacing them or contacting your healthcare provider. These adhesive strips work by holding wound edges together while natural healing occurs, reducing scarring and infection risk. They're particularly effective for superficial wounds where the skin edges can be easily approximated, allowing the body to form a strong collagen bridge across the wound. Some key points to consider when using Steri-Strips include:
- Keeping the wound clean and dry to promote healing and prevent infection
- Avoiding soaking the area to prevent stripping away the Steri-Strips
- Patting the strips dry rather than rubbing to prevent irritation
- Considering replacement or contacting a healthcare provider if the strips fall off prematurely
- Using Steri-Strips for superficial wounds where the skin edges can be easily approximated It's also important to note that the use of Steri-Strips or tissue adhesives doesn't reduce the incidence of surgical site infections (SSI) 1. However, they can still be a useful tool in promoting wound healing and reducing scarring. In terms of skin closure, there is no significant difference in terms of SSI incidence and length of hospital stay between patients in which the skin is sutured by continuous versus interrupted stitches 1. But, superficial wound dehiscence is lower in subcuticular continuous suture versus interrupted stitches 1. Ultimately, the decision to use Steri-Strips and the duration they are left on should be based on the individual patient's needs and the specific wound characteristics.
From the Research
Wound Management with Steri-Strips
- The provided studies do not specifically mention the duration for which Steri-Strips should be kept on wounds 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it is discussed that Steri-Strips are one of the closure options for commonly seen wounds, and their selection criteria should be identified 2.
- The management of wounds, including the use of antimicrobial and antiseptic strategies, is crucial in preventing infection and promoting healing 3, 4, 6.
- Antiseptics, such as povidone-iodine, polyhexanide, and silver, play a significant role in reducing bioburden in chronic wounds and can be used to manage critically colonized wounds 3, 6.
- The use of topical antibiotic irrigants, like bacitracin/neomycin, can also help decrease or eliminate bacterial contamination in surgical wounds 5.