StayStrips Skin Closure Strips

StayStrips are sterile, nonwoven adhesive strips that hold the edges of a wound together, offering a needle-free alternative or supplement to sutures and staples. Made by DermaRite, they're used to close minor lacerations, secure surgical incisions, and reinforce a wound after stitches are removed—reducing tension on healing skin so it can knit cleanly with less scarring.

The right width and length depend on the wound. Narrower strips like the 1/4 x 3 inch (72253) and the fine 1/8 x 3 inch (72183) suit small facial cuts and delicate skin, while the wider 1/2 x 4 inch (72540) and 1/4 x 4 inch (72254) handle longer incisions and areas needing more holding strength. As a general guide, choose a strip long enough to extend well past both ends of the wound and space multiple strips across its length for even closure.

Each StayStrip is highly porous and flexible, so it breathes and moves with the skin over joints and mobile areas without lifting prematurely. The nonwoven backing wicks moisture away to help keep the closure site dry, and the strong adhesive is designed to stay put through normal daily activity, gradually loosening on its own as the skin sheds. Because they're sterile, they're appropriate for use in clinical settings and for at-home care of clean wounds.

Apply strips to clean, dry skin, pressing firmly and leaving small gaps between them to allow drainage. They typically stay in place for one to two weeks; let them fall off naturally rather than pulling them off early.

Explore related supplies in our Wound Closure collection, or browse Wound Care for dressings, antiseptics, and tapes to complete your closure kit.