How often should steri (sterile strips) strips be changed?

How Often Should Steri-Strips Be Changed?

Steri-Strips should not be routinely changed—they should remain in place undisturbed for 5-7 days for facial wounds or 10-14 days for body wounds, then be removed once rather than changed. 1, 2

Core Management Principle

The fundamental concept is that Steri-Strips are a single-application wound closure device, not a dressing that requires regular changing. 1 They function by maintaining wound edge approximation during the critical healing period, and disturbing them prematurely compromises this function.

Duration Guidelines by Anatomic Location

Facial Wounds

• Leave in place for 5-7 days before removal 1, 2
• Facial skin heals more rapidly due to excellent blood supply, allowing earlier removal 1, 2
• Removing before 5 days risks wound dehiscence due to inadequate tensile strength 2
• Leaving beyond 7 days increases risk of skin irritation and adhesive dermatitis 1, 2

Body Wounds (Trunk, Arms, Legs)

• Leave in place for 10-14 days before removal 1
• High-tension areas (joints, palms, anterior tibia) require the full 14 days 3, 2
• These areas develop tensile strength more slowly than facial wounds 3

Initial Post-Application Care

First 24-48 Hours

• Keep the wound completely dry to allow proper adhesion 1
• The surgical wound dressing should remain undisturbed for a minimum of 48 hours unless leakage occurs 2
• Avoid submerging in water; brief showers may be acceptable after 24 hours if the area can be kept dry 1
• Do not apply ointments, creams, or lotions over or near the Steri-Strips as these loosen the adhesive 1

When Early Intervention Is Required

Change Sooner If:

• The dressing becomes damp, loosened, or visibly soiled 4
• The insertion site is bleeding or oozing 4
• Moisture collects under the dressing 4
• Signs of infection develop (increasing pain, redness, swelling, warmth, discharge) 1

Partial Detachment Management

• 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
• This preserves the wound support provided by the still-adherent portions

Critical Pitfalls to Avoid

Premature Removal

• Removing Steri-Strips before 10 days on high-tension areas risks wound dehiscence due to inadequate tensile strength 3
• Even facial wounds should not be removed before 5 days 2

Prolonged Application

• Leaving Steri-Strips too long (beyond 7 days on face, beyond 14 days on body) increases risk of skin irritation and adhesive dermatitis 1, 3
• Facial wounds may develop more noticeable scarring if closure materials remain too long 2

Daily Monitoring Requirements

• Check the wound daily for signs of infection: increasing pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge 1
• Monitor for wound edges separating (dehiscence) 1
• Pain disproportionate to injury severity may indicate deeper complications requiring immediate medical evaluation 1

Comparison with Other Wound Closures

The evidence distinguishes Steri-Strips from other wound management approaches. For central venous catheter sites, transparent dressings are changed every 7 days and gauze dressings are changed when damp or soiled 4. However, Steri-Strips function as wound closure devices, not protective dressings, so this frequent changing paradigm does not apply 1, 3.

Research demonstrates that Steri-Strips provide faster closure times, less erythema and edema, and similar cosmetic outcomes compared to subcuticular sutures 5, 6, supporting their use as definitive closure rather than temporary coverage requiring changes.