Question:
How long do you have to leave the steri strips on after your syaples are removed

I had my stples removed by my primary Doc on thursday and they put some added addhesive and steri-strips on and said they would fall off them selves.Well I really have sensitive skin and where the steri strips are it is leaving big blisters and it is irritating.Do you know if it is sake to remove them and the incisions not open?    — Sandy Hanson (posted on March 25, 2007)

March 25, 2007
It usually takes about a week, but they say once they start curling and gets yucky they are ready to come off.
   — blueesteyes

March 25, 2007
If you are getting blisters I would call your doctor first. It usally takes about a week for the steri strips to start curling and getting yucky and that is when you are usually suppose to romove them.
   — blueesteyes

March 25, 2007
The reason that they put the adhesive and the steri strips on is to give the incision line some tensile strength while it is still knitting together. If you remove the steri strips too soon, there is always the possibility of the incision opening up. Is there any tapes that you don't have this kind of reaction to? Check with your doctor first, but it seems that if there is a tape that you can tolerate, then the steri strips could be gently removed starting at the outer edges and working towards the incision and replacing them with the tape. But, as always, check with your doctor first. good luck.
   — Kari_K

March 26, 2007
Hi, This sounds like waaaay more than sensitive skin. I think it sounds like you have an allergy to the tape/stips that were used. I would get back to the doc to be checked out. Several years ago, I had my gall bladder taken out (before this type of operation was done laproscopically). They placed a type of foam tape over my incision while I was in the hospital. I burned and itched and wept, but was pretty much blown off by the nursing staff. Finally, someone who was basically just delivering supplies asked me how I was doing, and I couldn't stand it anymore; I burst out crying. He took pity and took off the dressings. I had the nastiest, ugliest, set of blisters under that tape! In fact, the scar left from the blisters, etc. is worse than the actual scar from the surgery. It turned out that I am allergic to that (and probably a couple of other) kinds of tape. I now have a huge flag in my records warning about that allergy! Ask your doc to check things out and maybe try a different adhesive. Owie! :-(
   — karentherese

March 28, 2007
I had 27 staples after emergency surgery for a bowel obstruction. The staples were not removed until TWO MONTHS afterward! Staples should not be removed until there is no possibility of the incision lime opening up. Also be aware that you MAY have staples below the surface that will never come out. --- If your Primary care doctor is not concerned about your blisters and irritation from "steri strips", I recommend you seek medical attention elsewhere -- maybe your surgeon. Whatever you decide to do, don't just sit back with your blisters and irritation just because, "My doctor said so." Sad but true, not all doctors are created equal. If you are not happy with the care being provided (or lack if it!), it is YOU who must take action to get the best medical care available from someone who really CARES about *YOU*.
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 28, 2007
I got to take the strips off I thought I would let you guys know.I was allergic to the steri strips .I just have to watch the incision closely.I still have all the blisters,they should pop soon and heal I hope.Thanx!
   — Sandy Hanson