Steri-Strip Adhesive Skin Closures

The Steri-Strip skin closure is not made with natural rubber latex (product and packaging).

No. Steri-Strips skin closures have never contained fiberglass. The reinforcing filaments in the Reinforced Steri-Strip skin closures are made of polyester.

5 years. The expiration date may be found at the bottom of each skin closure package.

Note:

• LOT, hourglass, year, 1-2 numbers, several letters 
• The hourglass symbol represents the expiration date. 2004-10 would indicate that the product will expire in October of 2004. 

Yes.

Steri-Strip skin closures adhere best to clean, dry skin. This can be accomplished by ensuring that bleeding is under control and cleaning the skin with saline or alcohol to remove oils or exudates followed by gentle drying of the skin surface.  

Steri-Strip closures have a “pressure sensitive” acrylate adhesive. Adhesion of skin closures will be enhanced if you gently but firmly press or stroke the skin closure strip during application so that the adhesive gets into the “nooks and crannies” of the skin surface. See application instructions. Steri-Strip Antimicrobial skin closures have the highest adhesion of the Steri-Strip skin product line.

Steri-Strip skin closures were designed for closure of low-tension wounds. They are contraindicated for use in high-tension wounds that cannot easily be approximated with fingers or forceps or on infected wounds. 

Apply the skin closure to dry, clean skin that is free of chemicals. If hair is to be removed, a clipper should be used. To further protect from adhesive trauma, a skin barrier such as 3M™ Cavilon™ No Sting Barrier Film may be applied and allowed to dry thoroughly before applying the skin closure. Avoid chemicals designed to increase adhesion. To reduce the risk of skin stripping, gently remove Steri-Strip skin closures: “low and slow”, towards the center of the wound, while supporting the skin.

The most common cause of blistering is tension. Oedema, hematoma, or distention due to bloating may distort the skin surface. If the adhesive is firmly attached to the epidermis and the adhesive closure backing does not “give”, the epidermis may be pulled away from the dermis resulting in blisters or skin tears. Blistering is usually noted on both ends of the strip. A similar situation occurs when a joint or other area of movement is covered with a strip that doesn’t stretch. If tension is noted, loosen, reposition, or replace the skin closure strips.  

To decrease the risk of tension injuries: 

• Do not use Steri-Strip skin closures on high-tension wounds.
• Apply Steri-Strip skin closures without tension. Do not strap the wound closed.
• Monitor the wound for evidence of swelling or blistering.
• If tension is noted under Steri-Strip closures, they may be replaced under the direction of a health care professional.

Yes, if expansion or movement (such as over a joint) is anticipated, consider using the Steri-Strip Elastic skin closures.

Up to 7 days. Wear time may vary depending on area of the body, skin type, degree of friction to that area, etc. Some health care providers prefer to remove, and sometimes replace, the Steri-Strip skin closures, on follow-up visits. The timing of strip removal and the length of continued reinforcement and support of the wound with skin closure strips is left to the discretion of the healthcare provider.

Yes. Unless contraindicated, you may shower after the Steri-Strip skin closure has been applied. Then pat the dressing dry.