Wound closure strips are porous surgical tape 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. Wound closure strips may be used instead of sutures (stitches) in some injuries, because they lessen scarring and are easier to care for.
Wound closure strips are often referred to using the genericized trademark Steri-Strips, the brand name used by 3M's Nexcare.[1] The precursor to the Steri-Strip was 3M's Micropore brand of microporous surgical tape.
Wound closure 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. Wound closure strips may also be applied together with special glue (e.g. 2-Octyl cyanoacrylate, also known as Dermabond) to secure the wound.[2]
The porous fabric of Steri-Strips allows more fresh air to the wound and prevent skin maceration. Plastic or other non-porous bandages often prevent perspiration and other bodily fluids from drying and are more likely to cause the wound to be macerated, which increases risk of bacterial or fungal infection. Steri-strips result in less scarring when compared to staples or sutures. They present a lesser chance of infection than sutures or staples.
Some forms of cyanoacrylate glue may also be used for similar purposes. There are three cyanoacrylate compounds currently available as topical skin adhesives. 2-Octyl cyanoacrylate is marketed as Dermabond, SurgiSeal, and more recently LiquiBand Exceed. n-Butyl cyanoacrylate is marketed as Histoacryl, Indermil, GluStitch, GluSeal, PeriAcryl, and LiquiBand. The compound ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate is available as Epiglu.[3]