Adding Steri-Strips to Sutured Skin Tears
Yes, adding Steri-Strips to the ends of a sutured skin tear for edge approximation is appropriate and supported by evidence, particularly in thin-skinned patients where sutures alone may cut through tissue. 1, 2
Primary Recommendation
The combination of sutures with Steri-Strips is specifically designed for situations like yours—it prevents sutures from cutting through fragile skin while the suture removes tension from the Steri-Strip, preventing epidermal shearing. 2 This technique is applicable to all body parts, including arms, and helps reduce complications that occur when either method is used alone. 2
Application Guidelines for Your Arm Wound
Apply Steri-Strips perpendicular to the wound edges at the ends where approximation is needed, ensuring the wound is clean and dry first. 1
Keep the wound completely dry for 24-48 hours after Steri-Strip application to allow proper adhesion. 1
Plan to keep the Steri-Strips in place for 10-14 days for arm wounds, as body wounds require this duration for adequate tensile strength development. 1
Avoid applying any ointments, creams, or lotions near the Steri-Strips, as these will loosen the adhesive and compromise closure. 1
Important Clinical Context
The evidence shows that adding Steri-Strips to buried dermal sutures provides no additional benefit 1, but your situation is different—you're using them for edge approximation at wound ends, not over the entire sutured length. This targeted application is clinically sound. 2
Sutures are significantly better than tissue adhesives alone for preventing wound dehiscence (RR 3.35; 95% CI 1.53-7.33) 3, so your existing sutures provide the primary structural support while the Steri-Strips assist with edge approximation at the ends. 1, 3
Monitoring Requirements
Check daily for infection signs: increasing pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge. 1
Watch for wound edge separation despite the closure materials—this requires immediate attention. 1
Pain that increases after the first 2-3 days suggests complications rather than normal healing. 1
Fever, chills, red streaks extending from the wound, pus, or foul odor require urgent evaluation. 1
Activity Restrictions
Avoid activities that place tension on the arm wound or cause excessive sweating for at least the first week. 1
Elevate your arm if swelling develops to accelerate healing. 1
Brief showers are acceptable after 24 hours if you can keep the area dry, but avoid submerging the wound. 1
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not remove the Steri-Strips prematurely (before 10 days)—this risks wound dehiscence due to inadequate tensile strength development. 1 Conversely, leaving them beyond 14 days increases the risk of adhesive dermatitis. 1