£2.39
Steri-Strip 3mm x 75mm Skin Closures are sterile adhesive strips designed to close small wounds and surgical incisions without stitches. Their breathable, flexible design holds skin edges together securely while promoting natural healing with minimal scarring.
Steri-Strips (often called butterfly strips/butterfly stitches) are sterile adhesive skin closures that bring wound edges together on small, clean, low-tension cuts or to support an incision after sutures/staples are removed. They’re non-invasive, hypoallergenic, and breathable, helping reduce skin trauma and the “cross-hatch” scarring sometimes seen with sutures.
Used in A&E, minor ops, and home first-aid kits as a quick way to approximate wound edges when suturing isn’t required (or as reinforcement after suturing).
Fast wound edge approximation without needles or staples
Reinforced, microporous backing: strong hold + lets skin breathe
Hypoallergenic adhesive: gentle on sensitive skin
Low infection risk vs. invasive methods (no skin punctures)
Great cosmetic results when used on appropriate wounds
Ready to use: sterile, individually packed; multiple sizes available (3 mm × 75 mm, 6 mm × 75 mm)
Suitable for:
Small, straight, clean cuts/lacerations with minimal bleeding
Low-tension areas or wounds after suture removal (as support)
Minor surgical incisions per clinician advice
Do not use at home if the wound is:
Deep, gaping, jagged, >1.25 cm (½″), heavily contaminated, or caused by a dirty/rusty object
Actively bleeding after 10 minutes of firm pressure
Showing signs of infection (worsening pain, redness, heat, swelling, pus, fever)
Over high-tension joints without professional assessment
Seek urgent medical care in the above cases.
Prepare the skin: Wash hands. Clean the wound gently with saline/water. Pat the surrounding skin completely dry (at least 2 cm around the cut).
(Optional for extra hold) Apply a tincture of benzoin (e.g., 3M Compound Benzoin Tincture) around-not in-the wound. Let dry tacky. Avoid if sensitive to benzoin.
Approximate edges: Using gloved fingers or forceps, gently bring wound edges together.
Apply the first strip across the centre: Stick one half to one side, don’t stretch, then lay across to the other side. Press firmly.
Add additional strips every ~3 mm (⅛″) towards each end until edges are neatly closed.
(Optional off-loading) Place two longitudinal “retention” strips parallel to the wound, ~1 cm from each edge, to reduce shear and lifting.
Pro tips:
Lift each strip off the card vertically (≈90°) to avoid curling.
Do not strap tightly or apply under tension.
Keep dry for the first 24-48 hours.
Many clinicians advise leaving Steri-Strips 5-7 days (or as directed) until they loosen and lift.
To remove sooner (if instructed): soak with warm water or apply medical adhesive remover; peel low and slow, supporting the skin.
If a corner lifts early, trim or reinforce with a new strip-don’t rip all strips off.
What it does: Improves initial tack and wear time of Steri-Strips.
Where to use: On intact peri-wound skin only; never inside the wound.
Do not use if you’ve had sensitivity to benzoin/resins. Allow to dry before applying strips.
Standard reinforced: 3 mm × 75 mm and 6 mm × 75 mm (most popular)
Single-use, sterile pouches for aseptic application
Store in a cool, dry place; keep pouches sealed until use.
Check the expiry date on each pack; discard if packaging is compromised.
Are Steri-Strips the same as stitches?
No. Sutures are the device; stitching is the technique. Steri-Strips are adhesive closures-they hold skin edges together without puncturing the skin.
Can I shower with Steri-Strips on?
Usually yes after 24-48 hours-keep showers brief, pat dry afterward. Avoid soaking/baths until advised.
How long should I keep them on?
Typically 5-7 days or as your clinician instructs. Many will lift off naturally; otherwise remove gently as above.
Can I use them on a joint?
Only if the wound is low-tension and you can limit movement (splinting/off-loading helps). High-tension sites should be assessed by a clinician.
Do I need benzoin for them to stick?
Not always. It improves adhesion on oily/sweaty areas, but avoid if you have resin sensitivity.
What if the wound reopens or looks infected?
Cover with a sterile dressing and seek medical advice promptly.
GPhC-regulated UK pharmacy with clinician-reviewed content
Expert support from our pharmacy team
Next-day UK delivery (discreet, secure packaging)
Competitive pricing across 3M wound care
Genuine stock with long dating
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