Steri strip
Encyclopedia
Steri-strips are 3M
's Nexcare
branded thin adhesive strips which can be used to close small wounds, generically known as butterfly stitches
. They are applied across the laceration in a manner which pulls the skin on either side of the wound together. Steri-strips may be used instead of sutures (stitches) in some injuries, because they lessen scarring and are easier to care for.
The precursor to the steri-strip was Micropore
Surgical Tape. Reports exist of dramatic cases where Micropore Surgical tape alone was used to hold large abdominal incisions together when the skin was too fragile to accommodate sutures and another where one patient's abdominal wall was literally rebuilt with the tape and his life saved when sutures on the patient's compromised skin failed to hold the wound closed. These reports prompted 3M to cut Micropore Surgical Tape into one-eighth inch, one-fourth inch and one-half inch strips, sterilise and package it as primary surface closures for incisions.
One of the drawbacks of the construction of steri-strips is the fact they are paper based, this means that their durability can be compromised if they get wet. Products such as Leukostrip have been developed that are made of a synthetic material that will repel water and therefore remain in place longer.
3M
3M Company , formerly known as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, is an American multinational conglomerate corporation based in Maplewood, Minnesota, United States....
's Nexcare
Nexcare
Nexcare is 3M's personal health care brand. The brand competes with Johnson & Johnson's Band-Aid brand in the adhesive bandage and first aid market. The brand also sells similar products such as bandages, gauze, surgical tape, cold sore treatment and liquid bandage products.-External links:*...
branded thin adhesive strips which can be used to close small wounds, generically known as butterfly stitches
Butterfly stitches
Butterfly stitches are generally thin adhesive strips which can be used to close small wounds. They are applied across the laceration in a manner which pulls the skin on either side of the wound together. They are not true sutures, but can often be used in addition to, or in place of real sutures...
. They are applied across the laceration in a manner which pulls the skin on either side of the wound together. Steri-strips may be used instead of sutures (stitches) in some injuries, because they lessen scarring and are easier to care for.
The precursor to the steri-strip was Micropore
Microporous material
A microporous material is a material containing pores with diameters less than 2 nm.Porous materials are classified into several kinds by their size. According to IUPAC notation A microporous material is a material containing pores with diameters less than 2 nm.Porous materials are...
Surgical Tape. Reports exist of dramatic cases where Micropore Surgical tape alone was used to hold large abdominal incisions together when the skin was too fragile to accommodate sutures and another where one patient's abdominal wall was literally rebuilt with the tape and his life saved when sutures on the patient's compromised skin failed to hold the wound closed. These reports prompted 3M to cut Micropore Surgical Tape into one-eighth inch, one-fourth inch and one-half inch strips, sterilise and package it as primary surface closures for incisions.
One of the drawbacks of the construction of steri-strips is the fact they are paper based, this means that their durability can be compromised if they get wet. Products such as Leukostrip have been developed that are made of a synthetic material that will repel water and therefore remain in place longer.
Usage
Steri-strips are ideal for use in highly contoured areas or areas of musculoskeletal movements, such as joints. They are also for use in areas where swelling, edema, hematomas, or bloating may occur. Additionally, they provide wound support following early suture or staple removal.Benefits
Steri-strips help prevent maceration. They result in less scarring when compared to staples or sutures. They present a lesser chance of infection than sutures or staples.Variations
- Reinforced skin closures: These are sterile skin closure strips that are made of a porous, non-woven backing coated with a pressure-sensitive, hypoallergenic adhesive and reinforced with polyester filaments for added strength. They provide general wound support for increased tensile strength and finer wound edge approximation.
- Blend tone skin closures non-reinforced: These are sterile, light beige skin closure strips made of a porous, non-woven backing coated with a pressure-sensitive, hypoallergenic adhesive. They blend with and allow the natural skin tone to show through. They are for use in areas where a cosmetically pleasing appearance is desirable, such as the face or arms.
See also
- Butterfly stitchesButterfly stitchesButterfly stitches are generally thin adhesive strips which can be used to close small wounds. They are applied across the laceration in a manner which pulls the skin on either side of the wound together. They are not true sutures, but can often be used in addition to, or in place of real sutures...
- Dressing (medical)Dressing (medical)A dressing is an adjunct used by a person for application to a wound to promote healing and/or prevent further harm. A dressing is designed to be in direct contact with the wound, which makes it different from a bandage, which is primarily used to hold a dressing in place...
- Surgical suture
- Microporous materialMicroporous materialA microporous material is a material containing pores with diameters less than 2 nm.Porous materials are classified into several kinds by their size. According to IUPAC notation A microporous material is a material containing pores with diameters less than 2 nm.Porous materials are...