Concerns About Steri Strips After Surgery
Hello! I’m a woman weighing 155 pounds and standing at 5 feet 4 inches, and I find myself quite anxious right now. It’s now the sixth day since I underwent a minor surgical procedure on my inner leg, but I’ve noticed that two of the steri strips have unexpectedly started to peel away. Although the incision appears to be healing well, the thought of it being uncovered so soon makes me quite uneasy. Has anyone experienced similar issues with their steri strips coming off prematurely? I can’t shake off the worry about potential infection. Apologies, as I tend to overthink in these situations.
Answers (1)
6/29/2025, 7:50:32 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely normal to feel anxious after surgery, especially regarding the healing process. The situation you're describing—steri strips peeling away—is something many people experience, and it can be managed effectively.
Main Points:
- It's common for steri strips to peel off as the incision begins to heal.
- Keeping the area clean and dry is key to preventing infection.
- Monitor the incision site closely for any signs of issues.
Explanation:
Steri strips are designed to hold the edges of a surgical incision together while it heals. It’s not unusual for some of them to start coming off by the sixth day, especially if the area is moving or if moisture is present. As long as the incision looks clean and there's no redness, swelling, or discharge, the healing process is likely going well.
Next Steps:
-
Assess the Incision: Look for any signs of infection. This includes increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge that is yellow or greenish. If you notice any of these symptoms, then it would be important to seek assistance.
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Clean and Protect: Keep the area clean. You can gently wash around the incision with soap and water, being careful not to scrub the strips too hard. After cleaning, pat the area dry and you might choose to place a clean, dry bandage over the area if needed.
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Leave the Remaining Strips Alone: If the incision looks good and isn’t showing any signs of infection, it's often okay to let the remaining steri strips stay on until they naturally come off—typically around 7-10 days post-surgery.
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Stay Calm: If you continue feeling anxious about the situation, practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness could be beneficial.
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Follow Up: If there's ever doubt about healing or if you notice changes, don’t hesitate to reach out for more guidance.
Remember, it's natural to worry about healing, but staying informed and taking these steps will help you manage the situation effectively.
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