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  • Writer's picturePaul Kenny

Can you please let me know where the use or prohibited use of Steri strips in school can be found?


It isn't prohibited but it is generally accepted not to use wound closures (steri-strip) on paediatric wounds as you must make sure the wound is clean and the environment is sterile. Also if the wound is deep or longer than 4-5cm  it should really be referred to the ED to be cleaned, glued and stitched (be it sutures or steri-strip) by a health care professionals so as to reduce scar tissue.

Remember if you do use strips the wound must be clean.

Hope this helps. I have included the NHS guide for wound closures below for you if you do choose to use them. Common health questions How do I apply butterfly stitches? Butterfly stitches, called Steristrips, are narrow adhesive strips that help to close the edges of a small wound and encourage the skin to heal. They can be applied to "v"-flap cuts on thin skin on the legs of the elderly, and to some cuts on children. They should not be used in areas where the skin moves a lot (for example, joints) or on oily, moist, or hairy areas. If the wound is shallow, (less than 5cm long), clean and uninfected, and you are sure that there is nothing embedded in it, butterfly strips can be used. Make sure the skin around the wound is also clean and dry. It's not always necessary to use the full length of the strips, and you can cut them to a more appropriate length. Leave about 3mm between each strip. Carefully line up the edges of the wound. Push them together, and, starting at the middle of the wound, apply the strips to keep the edges closed. Place half of the strip on one side of the wound, bring the edges together by gently bringing the other side towards it, and then pass the strip over. Place strips alternately above and below the first strip – this helps to match up the edges and keeps the skin tension equal. To anchor the rows of strips in place, put two strips across the rows (one on each side of the wound). A protective dressing is not usually necessary, but the wound must be kept dry until the strips are removed (around three to five days if on the head, or 10-14 days for cuts over the joints). If the strips are difficult to remove, it may help to moisten them with warm water for around 10 minutes. If the wound does not stop bleeding once the strips have been applied, this is a sign that butterfly stitches are not suitable. You should seek medical advice, as another method of treating the wound may be required.


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