Steri Strips Coming Loose and Ongoing Bleeding Three Hours Post-Discharge
Hi there, I recently had a situation following a minor procedure. I received steri strips on my upper thigh as well as the outer part of my upper arm. I was discharged from the hospital roughly three hours ago after experiencing continuous bleeding for about 13 hours before going to the emergency room. Unfortunately, I understand that they were unable to stitch the wound due to the long delay. Now, I’ve noticed that nearly half of my steri strips have peeled off, and the bleeding seems to be fairly significant. What would you recommend I do next?
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 8:50:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're in a concerning situation with the steri strips coming loose and ongoing bleeding. Immediate actions are important here to ensure your safety and proper healing.
Key Points:
- Ongoing bleeding after a procedure is a serious concern, especially if steri strips are peeling off.
- It's crucial to act quickly to control bleeding and protect the wound.
Explanation: Steri strips are designed to hold the edges of a wound together. If they're coming loose and you're experiencing significant bleeding, it may indicate that the underlying wound is not healing as expected. Continuous bleeding can lead to complications, and your situation might require medical evaluation.
Next Steps:
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Apply Pressure: Use a clean cloth or sterile bandage to apply firm pressure to the bleeding area for at least 10-15 minutes. This can help slow or stop the bleeding.
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Keep the Area Elevate: If possible, elevate the affected thigh or arm above heart level to reduce blood flow to the area.
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Avoid Removing Steri Strips: If they are partially peeled off, avoid pulling them off completely. Instead, try to secure them gently with medical tape if available, but do not apply excessive pressure.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: After applying pressure, check to see if the bleeding decreases. If it does not improve or increases significantly, or if you experience dizziness, fainting, or increased pain, seek immediate medical assistance.
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Seek Help if Necessary: If the bleeding does not stop or if the situation worsens, it’s important to return to a healthcare facility for evaluation and treatment. You may need further medical intervention.
Taking these steps can help manage the issue effectively while considering your safety. Please keep monitoring your condition closely.
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