When to Remove Steri-Strips After Laceration
Remove steri-strips after 5-7 days for facial lacerations and 10-14 days for wounds on the trunk, arms, or legs, with high-tension areas requiring the full 14 days. 1
Location-Based Removal Timeline
Facial Lacerations
- Remove after 5-7 days due to the excellent blood supply and more rapid healing of facial skin 2, 1
- Facial wounds heal faster than other body areas and are considered an exception to standard wound closure timing 2
- Removing too early (before 5 days) risks wound dehiscence due to inadequate tensile strength 2
- Leaving steri-strips on too long increases risk of skin irritation or adhesive-related dermatitis 2
Body and Extremity Lacerations
- Remove after 10-14 days for wounds on the trunk, arms, or legs 1
- High-tension areas (such as the anterior tibia, joints, or areas subject to movement) require the full 14 days 2, 1
- These areas have slower healing and greater mechanical stress on the wound edges 1
Pre-Removal Assessment Criteria
Before removing steri-strips, verify the following 2:
- Complete wound edge approximation with no gaps
- Absence of significant swelling or erythema
- No signs of infection or drainage
- No increasing pain (which may indicate complications)
Immediate Post-Application Care
- Keep the wound completely dry for the first 24-48 hours to allow proper adhesion and initial healing 3, 1
- Avoid submerging in water; brief showers may be acceptable after 24 hours if the area stays dry 1
- Do not apply ointments, creams, or lotions over or near the steri-strips as these loosen the adhesive 1
Daily Monitoring Requirements
Check the wound daily for warning signs 1:
- Increasing pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge
- Wound edges separating (dehiscence)
- Pain disproportionate to injury severity (suggests deeper complications like infection)
- Red streaks extending from the wound
- Fever, chills, or foul odor
Practical Management Tips
- If steri-strips begin peeling at the edges but the center remains adherent, trim the loose edges with clean scissors rather than removing the entire strip 1
- 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 to accelerate healing 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not remove too early: Premature removal (before 5 days for face, 10 days for body) causes wound dehiscence due to inadequate tensile strength 2, 1
- Do not leave too long: Prolonged application, particularly on facial wounds, increases risk of skin irritation and adhesive dermatitis 2, 1
- Do not get wet prematurely: Water exposure in the first 24-48 hours compromises adhesion and increases infection risk 3, 1