Steri Strips Vs. Sutures
22 Jul, 2013 in Health News and Tips by bree
When faced with a serious cut or laceration, the first question that most people ask is: Do I need stitches? It’s a reasonable concern, and one that doesn’t always have a simple answer — especially when blood is pouring out of the wound. That said, there are some basic guidelines you can follow to help make that decision. In general, stitches (otherwise known as sutures) are the preferred option under the following conditions:
you are unable to stop the bleeding due to the size and nature of the wound
you are concerned about scarring (especially on the face) and need them for cosmetic purposes (stitched wounds tend to heal more cleanly)
you notice muscle (dark red) or fat (yellow) exposed through the wound
your cut is gaping open
Because of the pain and complexity of suturing, most patients will want to avoid stitches if they possibly can. In the case of smaller cuts, steri strips (also called butterfly stitches) may be sufficient. Though not as strong as sutures, these thin adhesive bandage strips can be equally effective as long as you keep them dry and make sure they stay affixed to the wounded area. However, if your laceration occurs in a joint area or another curved section of the body, they might not have the same effectiveness. If you are at all unsure of the proper course of action, it might be most prudent to have a doctor examine the wound.
In most cases, cuts do not need emergency care, and they can be safely dealt with by a doctor within 24 hours. However, it is vital to treat the wound properly on your own if you cannot see a medical professional right away.
Be sure to:
stop the bleeding as quickly as possible
wash out the wound thoroughly
keep the wound moist using saline solution or antibiotic ointment
After the wound has been properly closed, you need to keep it covered and dry — for two days if using sutures and up to five days if using steri strips (to make sure they don’t come off prematurely). You should regularly apply antibiotic ointment and remove any loose scab material. To prevent severe scarring in the area, stay out of the sun and consider applying vitamin E oil to the wound to foster the healing process. Flaxseed oil may be helpful as well.
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There was news earlier this year about a suture bandaid that uses mini zip ties to close and secure small non-critical wounds, don’t know it’s made to market yetthough.s
Squash into a quart canning jar..fill with olive oil and leave out in the sun for a few days. decant the thick red fluid...press the residual for remainder fluid. 
St Johns Wart plant is very mysterious...likes partial shade...and in a place not disturbed by passing humans nor animal tracks...best in an isolated clearing or a steep embankment.
Ingenious bandage seals up wounds without stitches, promotes scar-free healing
https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/clozex-wound-closure-device/
Re sutures:
Great advice! Sensible.
Awesome CloseX ....... I always carried iodine and alcohol swabs as well . Used a baggy to drop the iodine swab(s) in with water from my canteen to make a “tea” .... cut off a small corner of the bag to squirt it into the wound to irrigate the wound as best possible then swab with alcohol before covering the wound .
++++! steri-strips and duct tape