Types of Dressing
Thin adhesive strips placed across a wound to support the skin edges while they heal. They are usually left in place and allowed to peel off naturally over one to two weeks — do not pull them off. If a strip lifts at one end, it is safe to trim the loose end with clean scissors rather than removing the whole strip.
Applied along a scar to reduce tension on the wound edges; often used for several weeks in the early healing period, and again once active scar care begins.
Used from two to four weeks after surgery to improve scar quality — see Scar Management.
A combined mesh and adhesive system sometimes used for longer incisions, removed at 7–14 days.
Used in the earliest phase of healing to protect the wound without sticking to it.
How to Apply a Steri-Strip at Home
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling any dressing
- Make sure the surrounding skin is clean and completely dry
- Peel the steri-strip from its backing, handling the ends rather than the adhesive centre
- Lay the strip gently across the wound, gently bringing the edges together without excessive tension
- Smooth from the centre outward to remove air bubbles
- Leave in place — do not repeatedly reapply the same strip once it has lost adhesion; replace with a fresh one if instructed to do so
General Wound Care
- Keep the wound dry for the period specified for your procedure — usually the first two to three days
- Once showering is permitted, pat (do not rub) the area dry afterwards
- Avoid soaking the wound (baths, swimming, hot tubs) until it is fully healed
- Do not apply creams or ointments other than those specifically advised
Increasing redness, swelling, pain, discharge or fever should be reported promptly — contact the clinic rather than waiting for your next scheduled appointment.