Steri-Strip Application for 0.5cm Wound Closure
For a 0.5cm wound opening, use 2-3 Steri-Strips placed perpendicular to the wound edges, spaced approximately 2-3mm apart to ensure adequate wound edge approximation and prevent dehiscence.
Rationale for Strip Number and Placement
The number of Steri-Strips needed depends on achieving proper wound edge approximation without gaps. For a small 0.5cm wound:
- Place strips perpendicular to the wound axis with minimal spacing between them to prevent any portion of the wound edges from separating 1
- Space strips 2-3mm apart to ensure continuous support along the entire wound length 1
- For a 0.5cm wound, 2-3 strips typically suffice to cover the wound length with appropriate overlap beyond the wound edges on both sides 1
Critical Application Technique
Extend each strip at least 2-3cm beyond the wound edge on both sides to ensure adequate adhesion to intact skin and proper tension distribution 2, 3
Enhancing Adhesion
- Consider applying Mastisol (liquid adhesive) to the skin before strip placement, as this markedly increases adhesiveness and reduces the risk of premature strip detachment 2, 3
- Steri-Strips with Mastisol demonstrate significantly longer adhesion times compared to strips alone 3
- Ensure the wound and surrounding skin are completely dry before application, as moisture compromises adhesion 1
Duration of Application
- Leave strips in place for 5-7 days for facial wounds due to excellent blood supply and faster healing 1
- Maintain strips for 10-14 days for body wounds, with high-tension areas requiring the full 14-day duration 1
Important Caveats
Steri-Strips alone are inadequate for high-tension wounds or contaminated wounds where sutures provide superior mechanical support and significantly lower dehiscence risk (RR 3.35; 95% CI 1.53-7.33) 4, 5
When to Consider Sutures Instead
- Wounds under significant tension require suture closure as primary method 5
- For thin-skinned or elderly patients, consider a combination technique: apply Steri-Strips first to approximate edges, then place sutures through the strips to prevent suture cut-through 6
- Contaminated wounds benefit from antimicrobial-coated sutures rather than adhesive closure 5
Post-Application Monitoring
- Keep the wound completely dry for 24-48 hours to allow proper adhesion 1
- Monitor daily for infection signs: increasing pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge 1
- Watch for premature strip detachment: if edges begin peeling but the center remains adherent, trim loose edges rather than removing the entire strip 1