How do I manage a wound with slight bloody drainage closed with steri-strips?

Management of a Wound with Bloody Drainage and Steri-Strips

For a wound with slight bloody drainage closed with steri-strips, maintain the steri-strips in place, keep the wound clean and dry, and monitor for signs of infection. Do not remove the steri-strips prematurely as they should fall off naturally within 5-10 days. 1

Initial Assessment and Management

When managing a wound with slight bloody drainage that has been closed with steri-strips:

1. Leave the steri-strips in place

   • Steri-strips provide adequate wound support and should remain until they fall off naturally (typically 5-10 days)
   • Premature removal can disrupt the healing process

2. Clean the wound area

   • Gently clean around (not directly on) the steri-strips with clean tap water or sterile normal saline 1
   • Avoid using antiseptic agents like povidone-iodine or hydrogen peroxide as they can damage healthy tissue and impair healing 1

3. Apply appropriate dressing

   • Cover with a clean, dry dressing if there is drainage 2
   • For slight bloody drainage, an absorbent dressing may be beneficial
   • Change the dressing when it becomes soiled or wet

Monitoring for Complications

Monitor the wound for signs of infection, which include:

• Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling beyond the wound edges
• Increasing pain or tenderness
• Purulent (pus) discharge
• Foul odor
• Fever or systemic symptoms 2, 1

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek medical attention if:

1. Signs of infection develop as noted above 1
2. Drainage increases or becomes purulent
3. Steri-strips fall off prematurely (within first 2-3 days) and the wound opens
4. Systemic symptoms develop such as fever, chills, or malaise 2

Special Considerations

For High-Risk Patients

If you have any of the following conditions, closer monitoring is recommended as you're at higher risk for wound complications:

• Diabetes
• Immunocompromised status
• Peripheral vascular disease
• On medications that affect wound healing (e.g., steroids) 1

Wound Location Considerations

• Hand wounds require special attention due to higher infection risk and proximity to tendons and joints 1
• Facial wounds generally heal well due to excellent blood supply 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Do not remove steri-strips prematurely - they should fall off naturally
2. Do not soak the wound until steri-strips have fallen off and the wound is well-healed
3. Do not apply topical antibiotics unless specifically prescribed, as they may promote fungal infection or antimicrobial resistance 1
4. Do not ignore increasing drainage - this could indicate infection requiring medical attention
5. Do not use antiseptic agents like povidone-iodine or hydrogen peroxide as they can damage healthy tissue 1

By following these guidelines, most wounds with slight bloody drainage closed with steri-strips will heal well without complications. The key is maintaining the steri-strips in place while keeping the wound clean and dry, and being vigilant for any signs of infection that would require prompt medical attention.