3M Steri Strip Skin Closures 1/4'' X 3'' - 20 Packages of 3

Good product Amazon again fails to ship it in a protected box so it comes crushed.

While repairing a kitchen chair I dropped the razor-sharp chisel I was using and it left a pretty deep gash on the left side of my right knee about an inch long. It was for just such an occasion that I bought these steri strips - time to put that first aid education from YouTube to good use.I first cleaned the site and applied tincture of benzoin Compound Benzoin Tincture U.S.P. Swabsticks - - Box of 50 to the surrounding area. I learned from watching first aid videos on YouTube that benzoin works as a tacky adhesive layer for steri strips and helps them stay stuck down for days. After the benzoin had dried I then peeled the backing off on one end if the strips and selected a single strip with my forceps (just some cheap plastic forceps that came in a first aid kit a few years ago). I pulled the wound together with one hand while I got the strip stuck down with the other and pulled the strip tightly across, perpendicular to the cut.I was surprised with how well the strip stuck and how tightly the wound closed with just one. I probably could have just left it with one strip and covered the whole thing with a bandage but I decided that while I have the other two out I might as well use them. Plus it was good practice. After I attached the other two I covered the whole thing in a large bandage to keep it clean.So far the strips feel really solid. I don't think they're going anywhere. If they don't hold up I'll come back and edit this.I bought the tincture if benzoin in ready to use, single use swab stick packages. I thought about buying a whole jar of the stuff but I realized that for the amount I'll be using it I probably won't need a whole jar. Plus this way I don't have to worry about keeping a whole jar clean, or the stuff drying out. I found the box of them here on Amazon, I'll add a link below when I get to my PC.EDIT: I put the link up above but here it is again:http://www.amazon.com/Compound-Benzoin-Tincture-U-S-P-Swabsticks/dp/B002GXAZO0

However, I have used more of the 1/8" strips. The narrower size was more comfortable and pulled less when removing. (Smith & Nephew Uni Solve Adhesive Remover - 8 Ounce Bottle helps peel bandages off without hurting the skin - it also removes ANY adhesive - life "Goof-Off" only without the smell!) I used the strips to hold gauze onto my cheek after having skin cancer and moles removed from my face. My son has used them for holding together a long cut while out camping (after using the Compound Benzoin Tincture U.S.P. Swabsticks - - Box of 50 to disinfect the site and GLUture Topical Adhesive, 1.5 mL (like super glue) it's made for vet use, but it is stronger than regular super glue and medical grade. The Swabsticks leave the skin slightly tacky and help the Steri Strips to adhere. My son keeps these in his personal medic kit in his truck (he's an EMT). There is also the human surgical-grade 'super glue' for considerably higher price. YouTube has videos on 'How to". WIthout the Steri Skin Strips the wound may re-open. I like to use more of the 1/8" size, but could have used the 1/4" on my abdominal scar from hysterectomy 25 years ago after ovarian cancer. One end of the surgery site opened a bit (leaving a larger scar) - this would have helped. J.R. Watkins Apothecary Petro-carbo medicated first aid salve 4.37 oz (while wounds were still oozy), Kelo-Cote Advanced Formula Scar Gel, 20 grams and Scar Away Silicone Scar Sheets 1.5x3'' (8) kept me from scaring. Hey - I've worked hard to keep my bikini figure and take care of myself . . . aging is great, but I do what is within reason to maintain what genetics blessed me with (including, apparently a bit of cancer!)Hope it's not too much information, but my husband was so impressed with my lack of scarring and rapid healing, he said I should share this information that worked so well after much research and experience on my part. I find the reviews helpful and want to share some of the contributions of my own and what I have experienced through the guidance of others. Hope this helps.

I used these after the stitches were removed from my carpal tunnel surgery. Same ones the doctor uses. The cheap waterproof butterfly closures you get in discount stores work just as well. The 3M strips wash off pretty easily in the shower.

The stretch is for the lack of stretching - I do not want the strips to stretch at all, but keep the cut closed. The unfortunate use to apply these strips occurred not long ago when my wife sliced her hand with a box knife. It was on the weekend and didn't want to go into ER and pay our huge deductible just to get stitches, so I applied these strips to keep skin tight. They worked very well (of course I stabalized to minimize movement) in keeping wound closed. I replaced the strips once (she got them wet accidently) and I could tell the wound was healing very well at that time. Now that the wound is heeled, the scar is barely noticeable. I personally believe these strips worked better than sutures in leaving less of a scar.The strips held very good, and as expected started coming loose when time was near to remove them. When they started coming loose (not counting when replacing when they became wet) I cut the strips in half and doubled the time (it was a deep cut on muscle tissue). I also recommend the skin glue to aid with adhesion (I did not use in this case...it was expired and no good).In full disclosure: I have received Emergency Medical Training in college. I have practical experience in treating wounds. Please seek professional medical care for major injuries.These strips do work in keeping cuts closed. A protective layer is needed over the strips such as sterile gauze and/or pad.

Steri-strips are a must have to have on hand for cuts. These are great, and I was glad to find them online since my local store is no longer carrying them.

Great .