It's normal for us to get minor
injuries while doing our daily tasks. A knife cuts our hand in the kitchen, or we get a small scrape while doing housework. So, you might be wondering if we need stitches or if we can fix it at home. Steri-Strips are something that comes to our aid at times like these, and they are something that many people have in their first aid kit. Today, we'll talk about exactly that.
What are these Steri-Strips?
Simply put, these are thin, adhesive bandages. They are used to hold the two sides of a small cut or scrape together as it heals. Doctors sometimes use them to close incisions after
surgery . Like Steri-Strips, wound dressings hold the two sides of a wound together. This helps the wound heal faster and prevents infections.
When to use Steri-Strips and when not to use them
Even if you have these in your first aid kit, they're not a good idea for every injury. So let's be clear about when they're appropriate and inappropriate to use.
| If this is the case, you can use a Steri-Strip at home. | If this happens, see a doctor immediately. |
|---|
| If the wound is not deep (if the bleeding stops after about 5 minutes of pressure). | If the wound is so open that the two sides cannot be brought together. |
| If the edges of the wound are straight and clear . | If the wound is very deep (for example, if yellow fatty tissue is visible under the skin). |
| If possible, keep the wound dry . | If the bleeding doesn't stop(Go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately). |
| Unless it's in a place that bends frequently, like a joint (otherwise the straps will come off quickly). | If the edges of the wound are crooked or drawn . |
| If it is a wound caused by an animal or human bite . |
| If it's a wound caused by something like a rusty iron or a dirty nail . |
Difference between Butterfly Bandage and Butterfly Stitches
Many people use the names Steri-Strips and Butterfly Bandages interchangeably. But there is a slight difference. Think of it this way: a
Steri-Strip is a straight strip of the same width. But
a Butterfly bandage is a little thinner in the middle, and the sides are as wide as the wings of a butterfly. Some people also call these strips "Butterfly stitches." But that's not true.
Butterfly stitches are a type of stitch where a doctor uses a needle and thread to sew a butterfly-shaped strip through the layers of skin. It's actually a stitch. But this type of bandage we're talking about is just a sticky sticker.
How exactly do we apply a Steri-Strip?
It is very important to do this properly. It is best to follow the instructions on the package. Here are the general steps to follow. 1.
Wash your hands thoroughly: First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. 2.
Clean the wound: Next, wash the wound and the surrounding skin with a mild soap and clean water, then pat dry with a clean cloth. 3.
Start in the middle: Measure the length of the wound and find the exact middle of it. The first strip should be applied across the middle of the wound. 4.
Apply one side: Place one half of the Steri-Strip on one side of the wound and press it firmly against the skin. 5.
Pull the two sides of the wound together: Now use your fingers to press the two sides of the wound together and press them together. These two sides should be tight, otherwise the wound may open again. 6.
Apply the other side: Now bring the remaining half of the Steri-Strip across the wound to the other side and press it firmly against the skin.
Do not pull the strip. Also, do not press the wound too hard. 7.
Apply the other bandages: Now apply the other bandages, leaving about 3 millimeters (about 1/8 of an inch) above and below the first bandage. Apply the bandages in this manner until the wound is completely covered. 8.
Additional bandages for security (Optional):Now you can apply two more strips of tape across these strips, parallel to the wound, on either side. That way, the strips will stay in place without coming off.
Very important: If you see blood oozing from the Steri-Strips you have applied, it means the bleeding has not stopped. Seek medical advice immediately.
How long should these be kept? How do I remove them?
Steri-Strips can usually be left on
for about two weeks . Most of the time, they
will just fall off during that time. If two corners of the strips seem to be coming off, you can use a small pair of scissors to cut off just that corner and remove it. If they still haven't come off after two weeks, you can remove them yourself.
The correct way to untie
To prevent the wound from reopening, remove it this way.
Never pull it all at once!- First, remove one corner of the belt and move it until you reach the wound.
- Stop when you get to the wound. Do not remove the dressing above the wound.
- Now start at the other end of the belt and undo that side in the same way until you reach the wound.
- Finally, carefully lift and remove the remaining center portion above the wound.
Can I shower with Steri-Strips in place?
Yes, you can shower with Steri-Strips in place. However, if you have had surgery, your doctor may advise you not to get wet for 24-48 hours. So ask about this. When showering, clean the area with mild soap and water, pat dry
, and don't rub or pull on the Steri-Strips. What are the symptoms that require seeing a doctor?
If a wound with Steri-Strips has any of these symptoms, it could be a sign of infection. These cannot be treated at home. See your doctor immediately.
- If the area around the wound is red, swollen, and feels hot to the touch .
- If a pus- like fluid is oozing from the wound.
- If there is a bad smell coming from the wound.
If left untreated, these infections can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious conditions such as cellulitis or septicemia.
Take-Home Message
- Steri-Strips are a very useful item to use at home for small, shallow, straight-edged wounds that do not require stitches.
- WoundIf it is deep, very open, doesn't stop bleeding, or was caused by an animal bite or something like rust, definitely see a doctor.
- When applying a Steri-Strip, make sure to bring the two sides of the wound together and apply without pulling the strip.
- These will fall off in about two weeks. If you do, please remove them towards the wound. Never pull them off all at once.
- If there is redness , swelling, warmth, pus , or a foul odor around the wound, these may be signs of infection. Seek medical advice immediately.
- If you have any concerns about anything, never hesitate to talk to your doctor about it.
Steri-strips, butterfly bandages, wounds, stitches, first aid, skin plasters, wound healing
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