A Guide to Using Steri-Strips on Wounds in Primary Care
Steri-Strips, also known as adhesive skin closures, are a valuable tool in wound management for healthcare practitioners in primary care settings. These strips are designed to close superficial wounds, promote healing, and reduce the risk of infection. Knowing when and how to use Steri-Strips effectively can improve patient outcomes and enhance wound care. This guide outlines the appropriate scenarios for using Steri-Strips and offers best practices for their application.
When to Use Steri-Strips
- Superficial Lacerations
Steri-Strips are ideal for closing clean, straight, and superficial lacerations where the edges of the skin can be easily approximated. These types of wounds are common in primary care and can result from minor cuts, abrasions, or surgical incisions. Steri-Strips help to bring the wound edges together, facilitating faster and more aesthetically pleasing healing.
- Low-Tension Areas
Wounds located in areas of the body where there is minimal tension or movement, such as the forehead, cheek, or dorsum of the hand, are well-suited for Steri-Strips. These strips are less effective on wounds in high-tension areas, such as joints or areas subject to significant movement, where sutures or staples may provide better stability.
- Post-Suture Removal
Steri-Strips can be used as a follow-up to sutures or staples, particularly after their removal, to provide additional support to the healing wound. This practice helps to minimize the risk of wound dehiscence (reopening) and supports the final stages of healing.
- Patients with Suture Anxiety
For patients who have anxiety about needles or sutures, Steri-Strips offer a non-invasive alternative. These strips can be a preferred option for children or individuals with needle phobia, providing effective wound closure without the need for invasive procedures.
How to Apply Steri-Strips
- Prepare the Wound
Clean the wound thoroughly with saline or an appropriate wound cleanser to remove debris and bacteria. Ensure the wound is dry before applying the Steri-Strips, as moisture can prevent proper adhesion.
- Approximate the Wound Edges
Gently bring the edges of the wound together using gloved fingers or sterile forceps. The goal is to align the skin edges as closely as possible to facilitate optimal healing and minimize scarring.
- Apply the Steri-Strips
Peel the Steri-Strip from its backing and place it across the wound, starting from one side and gently pressing it to the other side, ensuring it spans the wound and holds the edges together. Apply additional strips as needed, spacing them evenly to provide adequate support.
- Secure the Strips
Ensure the Steri-Strips are securely adhered to the skin by pressing down on the adhesive edges. Avoid stretching the strips during application, as this can cause tension and impair healing.
- Aftercare Instructions
Instruct the patient to keep the Steri-Strips dry and avoid excessive movement that could stress the wound. Advise them to monitor the wound for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge, and to seek medical attention if these occur.
When Not to Use Steri-Strips
- Deep or Jagged Wounds
Avoid using Steri-Strips on deep, jagged, or heavily contaminated wounds that require thorough cleaning, debridement, or more robust closure techniques. These wounds are better managed with sutures, staples, or professional medical intervention.
- Infected Wounds
Do not use Steri-Strips on infected wounds, as the strips can trap bacteria and exacerbate the infection. Instead, manage the infection first with appropriate medical treatment.
- High-Tension Areas
As mentioned earlier, Steri-Strips are not suitable for wounds in high-tension areas or joints. Sutures or staples provide better stability and support in these cases.
For more detailed insights into wound healing and management, explore this informative article: The Three Different Phases of Wound Healing.
References
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2022). Wound Management. Retrieved from NICE website.
Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP). (2023). Primary Care Management of Wounds. Retrieved from RCGP website.
