What are the patient care instructions for wounds closed with steri (sterile) strips?

Steri-Strip Patient Care Instructions

Keep Steri-Strips clean and dry for 24-48 hours after application, leave them in place for 5-7 days for facial wounds or 10-14 days for body wounds, and monitor daily for signs of infection including increasing pain, redness, swelling, or discharge. 1, 2

Immediate Post-Application Care (First 24-48 Hours)

• Keep the wound completely dry during the first 24-48 hours to allow proper adhesion and initial healing 1
• Avoid submerging the wound in water (no swimming, bathing in tubs, or prolonged showers) 1
• Brief showers may be acceptable after 24 hours if you can keep the area dry 1
• Do not apply any ointments, creams, or lotions over or near the Steri-Strips as these will loosen the adhesive 1

Daily Wound Monitoring

• Check the wound daily for infection signs: increasing pain, redness spreading beyond the wound edges, swelling, warmth, or any discharge 1, 3
• Pain disproportionate to the injury severity may indicate deeper complications such as infection or wound breakdown and requires immediate medical evaluation 4, 1
• Watch for wound edges separating (dehiscence), particularly in the first 7-10 days 3

Duration and Removal Guidelines

Facial Wounds

• Remove Steri-Strips after 5-7 days for facial lacerations, as facial skin heals more rapidly due to excellent blood supply 2
• Facial wounds are an exception to standard timing and can be managed with shorter closure duration 2

Body Wounds

• Leave Steri-Strips in place for 10-14 days for wounds on the trunk, arms, or legs 2
• High-tension areas (like over joints or the anterior shin) require the full 14 days 2

Removal Technique

• Allow Steri-Strips to fall off naturally when possible, as this indicates adequate healing 1
• If removal is necessary, gently peel from one end toward the wound (not perpendicular to the skin) to minimize discomfort 1
• Before removing, ensure the wound shows complete edge approximation, no swelling or redness, and no signs of infection 2

Activity Restrictions

• Avoid activities that place tension on the wound or cause excessive sweating for at least the first week 1
• Elevate the injured body part if swollen, especially during the first few days, as this accelerates healing 4
• Avoid stretching or pulling movements that could separate wound edges 3

Hygiene Measures

• Maintain good personal hygiene with regular bathing (avoiding direct water contact with the wound initially) 4
• Clean hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after any wound contact 4
• Keep draining wounds covered with clean, dry bandages if any drainage occurs 4

Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

• Fever or chills 1
• Red streaks extending from the wound 1
• Pus or cloudy drainage 1
• Wound edges separating or opening 3
• Increasing pain after the first 2-3 days 4, 1
• Foul odor from the wound 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not remove Steri-Strips too early (before 5 days for face, 10 days for body), as this may cause wound dehiscence due to inadequate tensile strength 2
• Do not leave them on too long, particularly on facial wounds, as prolonged application increases risk of skin irritation or adhesive dermatitis 2, 5
• Avoid getting the Steri-Strips wet repeatedly, as moisture loosens adhesion and increases infection risk 1
• Do not apply tension or pressure to the wound area during the healing period 3

Special Considerations

• Rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis to Steri-Strip adhesive can occur; if you develop itching, rash, or blistering around (but not at) the wound site, contact your provider 5
• If Steri-Strips begin peeling at the edges but the center remains adherent, you may trim the loose edges with clean scissors rather than removing the entire strip 1