Steri Strips, which are also sometimes known as wound closure strips or butterfly bandages, are useful wound closure supplies with a range of uses and benefits. In this guide, we’ll explore what Steri Strips actually are, when they are used, and how they can be used for wound closure and protection.

What Are Steri Strips?

So, what exactly are Steri Strips? Firstly, it’s important to note that these strips can also be known under other names, including wound closure strips, butterfly stitches, butterfly bandages, and surgical tape strips. They’re all essentially the same thing, and “Steri Strips” is actually a brand name, owned and used by Nexcare, which is part of the 3M family of brands.

In simple terms, Steri Strips are strips of surgical tape. Breathable and waterproof, these strips are used to close or tape up wounds. They have a relatively strong adhesive on one side, which is placed against the skin to hold the strips in place, and they can remain in position for up to two weeks, holding the skin together after surgery or minor injuries.

Steri Strips are just one example of wound treatment supplies. Other examples include stitches and sutures. However, while stitches involve the use of needles to essentially stitch the skin together, Steri Strips allow a wound to be stabilized and held together from the outside, without any invasive procedures.

What Are They Made Of?

Steri Strips are made from surgical tape. Also known as medical tape, surgical tape is a special type of adhesive tape, similar to the likes of Scotch tape, but used in medical settings and procedures. Typically, surgical tape is used to hold bandages or dressings in place over a wound, but when cut up into small strips like Steri Strips, it can be applied directly over a wound.

The material used to make Steri Strips is both breathable and waterproof. This allows air to continue flowing around the wounded area to promote healing, while also allowing the patient to potentially take a shower or get the taped area wet without any major risks. Zinc oxide is also present in Steri Strips and other forms of medical tape, and this naturally helps to reduce the risk of infections around the wound site.

How Do Steri Strips Work?

The way in which Steri Strips work is very simple: the strips have an adhesive on the back so that they can be stuck in place over a wound. The person applying the strips simply needs to hold the two sides of a cut or wound together and then seal it in place with as many strips as needed.

Are Steri Strips as Good as Stitches?

Steri Strips are different to stitches, and both options have their pros, cons, and best uses. Stitches are best for sealing quite large or deep wounds to minimize the risk of further bleeding or infections and allowing the wound to heal. Steri Strips have the advantage of not requiring any needles or invasive procedures, but they’re not large or strong enough to handle deep or big cuts.

How to Apply Steri Strips on a Wound

Doctors and surgeons are usually the people who apply Steri Strips, but it’s also possible that a patient may apply their own Steri Strips at home or elsewhere. In either case, here are the main steps to follow when applying Steri Strips to a wound or surgical site:

1. Clean Your Hands – In order to reduce the risk of any infection or contamination, the first thing to do is make sure that your hands are clean. Wash them with warm water and soap before applying the strips. 
2. Clean the Wound – The wound should also be cleaned with the aid of cool water and gentle soap to remove any dirt or microbes. The area can then be gently pat dry with a cloth or towel. 
3. Prepare the Site – Before you actually stick the Steri Strips in place, it’s important to prepare the site by using your fingers to gently push the two sides of the wounded area together. 
4. Apply the Strips – Holding the skin together, apply your first Steri Strip. Try to position it so that half of the strip is on either side of the wound or cut. It’s best to begin on one side and seal that half of the strip in place before pulling it across to the other side and sticking it down. Make sure you do not apply the Steri Strip in the direction of the cut. Instead, aim to go across the cut at a right angle. 
5. Add More Strips – You can then continue to add additional Steri Strips to close the wound. For very small wounds, only one or two strips may be needed, but more might be required for large cuts or surgical sites. 
6. Seal the Strips – When you’ve put enough Steri Strips across the wound, you should put two final strips vertically along the ends of the other strips, sticking down the edges to prevent them from peeling up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Steri Strips Breathable? 

Yes, Steri Strips are breathable, allowing air to continue flowing around the wound or surgical site.

Are Steri Strips Waterproof? 

Yes, Steri Strips are waterproof. This means that the wearer is allowed to gently wash the area where the Steri Strips are in place or even take a shower without the risk of the strips coming off.

Should Steri-Strips Be Covered? 

Steri Strips do not need to be covered. However, it may be beneficial to cover up the area lightly to reduce the risk of them rubbing off.

How Soon Can Steri Strips Be Removed? 

Steri Strips should usually be left on until they fall away on their own. They typically fall off within two weeks of being applied. It’s not typically recommended to remove them earlier on your own.

Can Steri Strips Be Left on Too Long? 

Typically, Steri Strips should start to peel away on their own and will fall off within 14 days of the initial application. If you reach the 14 day mark and your strips are still in place, you should remove them manually. It’s not recommended to leave them in place any longer than this.

Do You Wait for Steri Strips to Fall Off? 

Yes, typical procedure with Steri Strips is for the wearer to simply wait until the strips peel off on their own. The adhesive holding the Steri Strips in place will gradually wear away and the strips should fall off about two weeks after the first application. However, if they haven’t fallen off after 14 days, the user should take them away manually.

Can Steri Strips Be Wet Under the Shower? 

Yes, Steri Strips are waterproof, so it is possible for the wearer to take a shower while wearing Steri Strips over a wound or surgical site, but it’s best to consult with your doctor for more information before getting any wounds wet.

Can Steri Strips Cause Rashes or Blisters? 

It is possible, but rare for individuals to suffer blisters or rashes when wearing Steri Strips. This usually happens in situations where the individual has some sort of allergic reaction to the adhesive used in the Steri Strips. If this happens to you, you should contact your doctor as you may need to have the strips removed.

Where Can I Buy Steri Strips?

You can order Steri Strips online directly from CIA Medical.