Wound closure strips vs stitches: what to know
Strips hold clean, shallow, straight-edged cuts together. They are not a substitute for a wound that needs suturing.
Adhesive closure strips pull the edges of a cut together so the body can bridge the gap. Used on the right wound they work extremely well. Used on the wrong one they trap a problem underneath.
Strips are appropriate when
- The cut is shallow and the edges are clean and straight.
- The edges come together easily without tension when you pinch them.
- Bleeding has stopped.
- The wound is clean, with nothing in it.
- It is recent — ideally within a few hours.
Go to a professional when
- The wound gapes when you relax the skin, or you can see fat or deeper tissue.
- It is bleeding heavily or will not stop.
- It is on the face, over a joint, or on the hand where function matters.
- It was caused by a bite, a puncture, or anything dirty.
- The edges are ragged or a flap of skin is involved.
Applying strips
Dry the skin thoroughly. Anchor the first strip on one side, bring the edges together with your other hand, then lay it across. Space the strips a few millimetres apart rather than sealing the whole length — the gaps let fluid escape. Leave them to fall off naturally rather than pulling them.
See a pharmacist, GP or urgent care if a wound will not stop bleeding after ten minutes of firm pressure, is deep or gaping, was caused by something dirty or rusty, contains anything you cannot flush out, or shows spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or a fever. Get help urgently for animal or human bites, wounds over a joint, and any wound in someone with diabetes or poor circulation.
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FitMedix products are CE-marked medical devices intended for the care of minor wounds. This site does not provide medical advice — seek professional help for deep, dirty or non-healing wounds, or if signs of infection appear. Always read the instructions on the pack.