Steri strips are a valuable tool for wound closure and help to promote healing. But, it’s important to ensure that you keep them clean and dry to prevent infection. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what Steri strips are, the benefits of using them, best practices for keeping them clean and dry, and other important tips for proper care. So, let’s get started!
Contents
What Are Steri Strips?
Steri strips are thin, narrow strips of cloth tape that are used to close and secure surgical wounds after a procedure. They are made of a flexible material that helps to hold the edges of the wound together, while allowing it to heal. Steri strips are also known as butterfly stitches, skin closure strips, and surgical adhesive strips.
The most common use for Steri strips is to close wounds from cuts and abrasions, as well as surgical incisions. They are preferred over sutures, as they are easier to apply and less likely to cause infection. They are also more comfortable for the patient, as they are less likely to cause irritation.
Benefits of Using Steri Strips
Steri strips are a great alternative to sutures for closing wounds. They are simple to apply and less likely to cause infection than sutures. They also provide a number of other benefits, including:
- Quicker healing time – Steri strips help to promote healing and reduce scarring, as they don’t disrupt the natural healing process.
- More comfortable – Steri strips are less likely to cause irritation, as they are flexible and don’t pull at the skin.
- Cost effective – Steri strips are much more cost effective than sutures, as they don’t require a trained medical professional to apply.
Best Practices for Keeping Steri Strips Clean and Dry
To keep your Steri strips clean and dry, it’s important to follow the best practices outlined below.
- Keep the area around the Steri strips clean by washing it with mild soap and water.
- Ensure that the Steri strips are completely dry before applying them.
- Avoid getting the Steri strips wet, as this can cause them to break down and become weak.
- Avoid applying lotions, creams, or other substances to the area around the Steri strips.
- Change the dressing on the Steri strips twice a day, or as often as recommended by your doctor.
- Avoid picking at the Steri strips, as this can cause them to come off prematurely.
- Avoid using tape or other materials to secure the Steri strips.
By following these best practices, you can help to ensure that your Steri strips stay clean and dry and promote healing.
Common Causes of Infection from Steri Strips
Although Steri strips are less likely to cause infection than sutures, it is still important to take proper care of them to avoid infection. Common causes of infection from Steri strips include:
- Not keeping the area around the Steri strips clean.
- Not keeping the Steri strips dry.
- Allowing the Steri strips to get wet.
- Applying lotions, creams, or other substances to the area around the Steri strips.
- Picking at the Steri strips.
- Using tape or other materials to secure the Steri strips.
By avoiding these common causes of infection, you can help to ensure that your Steri strips stay clean and dry and promote healing.
How Long Do Stitches Take to Heal?
The amount of time it takes for stitches to heal depends on a number of factors, including the location of the wound, the type of stitches used, and the person’s overall health. Generally, it takes about two weeks for stitches to heal, although this can vary from person to person.
It is important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor for proper care of your stitches. This includes changing the dressing regularly and keeping the area clean and dry.
Signs of Infected Stitches
If your stitches become infected, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Some signs of infection include:
- Redness and swelling around the wound.
- Warmth and tenderness in the area.
- Discharge from the wound.
- Fever and fatigue.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
How Long Do Steri Strips Stay On?
The amount of time Steri strips stay on depends on a number of factors, including the location of the wound and the type of Steri strips used. Generally, Steri strips should be left on for at least five to seven days, or until the wound is healed.
It is important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor for proper care of your Steri strips. This includes changing the dressing regularly and keeping the area clean and dry.
What to Do if Your Stitches Become Infected
If your stitches become infected, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or recommend that the stitches be removed. They may also recommend that the wound be covered with a clean and dry dressing.
It is important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor for proper care of your stitches. This includes changing the dressing regularly and keeping the area clean and dry.
Tips for Proper Care of Steri Strips
To ensure that your Steri strips promote healing and don’t cause infection, it’s important to follow the tips outlined below.
- Keep the area around the Steri strips clean by washing it with mild soap and water.
- Ensure that the Steri strips are completely dry before applying them.
- Avoid getting the Steri strips wet, as this can cause them to break down and become weak.
- Avoid applying lotions, creams, or other substances to the area around the Steri strips.
- Change the dressing on the Steri strips twice a day, or as often as recommended by your doctor.
- Avoid picking at the Steri strips, as this can cause them to come off prematurely.
- Avoid using tape or other materials to secure the Steri strips.
By following these tips for proper care of Steri strips, you can help to ensure that your wounds heal quickly and without infection.
Conclusion
Steri strips are a great alternative to sutures for closing wounds. They are simple to apply and less likely to cause infection than sutures. However, it is important to keep them clean and dry to prevent infection.
By following the best practices outlined in this blog post, you can help to ensure that your Steri strips stay clean and dry and promote healing. So, make sure to follow these tips if you’re ever in need of wound closure with Steri strips.
