Advice to parents following the application of steristrips

Why has my child had steristrips applied?

Your child has had steristrips/butterfly stitches applied to a cut to help it heal. The steristrips will be covered with a dressing.

Caring for your child with steristrips

Your child may complain of pain for a day or two after the steristrips have been applied. This is not due to the steristrips, but to the cut itself. Children’s paracetamol and ibuprofen can be given, following the dosage instructions on the bottle.

When should the steristrips be removed?

The steristrips should stay on for 5 days and be kept clean and dry.

You may remove the steristrips yourself on the 5th day by soaking them in warm water.

Contact Information

You should contact your GP or Practice Nurse if any of the following occurs:

• If the cut is leaking and wets the dressing.
• If the dressing falls off and the steristrips become loose.
• If your child complains of the pain becoming much worse.
• If you see redness and swelling around the dressing.
• If the cut has not healed after you have removed the steristrips.

If you have any questions, please call us at the Emergency Department on 0131 312 0007.