Further information can be obtained from:

NHS 111 Dial 111

Or contact your GP

Bluebell Ward, Wound Closure

Lister Hospital, Stevenage 01438 284008

Children’s A&E, Lister 01438 284333

Child Health
QEII Urgent Care Centre,
Welwyn Garden City 01707 247549
Patient Information Leaflet
Lister Community Children’s Nurses 01438 284012

QEII Community Children’s Nurses 01438 288370

Patient Advice and Liaison Service 01438 285811

The information in this leaflet was taken from www.cks.nhs.uk

www.enherts-tr.nhs.uk

Date of publication: March 2008 You can request this

Author: Paediatric Leaflet Information Group information in a
Reference: CH/129L Version: 5 (Jul 2017) different format or
Review Date: July 2020 another language.
© East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust
Introduction Why use glue?
The purpose of this leaflet is to help you to manage the different Glue is often used in scalp wounds where steri-strips would be unable
types of wound closure your child may have. to stick due to the hair.
Watch for signs of infection How long does the glue need to stay on for?
Seek medical attention if the area around the wound is: The glue needs to be kept in place for five to seven days to allow for
 Very red wound healing. The area must not be touched for the first 24 hours.
 Swollen Removal of glue
 Feels itchy Glue expands with the healing skin like a scab. If the glue does not
 More painful fall off itself in five to seven days you can wet the area and the glue
will dissolve.
 Has a green or yellow discharge (pus)
Steri-strips Things to remember:
 Do not get the glued area wet.
Steri-strips (also known as butterfly stitches) are small strips, which
are applied to the skin to help pull the edges of the wound together.  Do not brush hair around the glued area.
This helps to stop any bleeding from the wound. They have  Do not pick at the glued area.
reinforcing strips, which run along their length and are coated with a  Do not apply dressings to the wound as they will stick.
hypoallergenic adhesive, which is gentle on your child’s skin. Stitches and staples
How long do they need to stay on for? These methods of wound closure are less often used in children’s
Steri-strips need to stay in place for five to seven days to allow the A&E. Facial or scalp wounds are rarely covered.
wound to heal. If stitches or staples are used, they must be kept dry for 24 hours.
Removal of steri-strips After 24 hours getting the wound wet while bathing is fine. You can
To remove steri-strips you need to soak them in water, this can be soak any dressings off with water. Dry the wound with a clean towel
done in a bath without bubbles. Once the steri-strips are wet the (only used for your wound) and cover it again when it is dry to protect
adhesive will come unstuck. If the steri-strips do not fall off by the area from rubbing on clothes.
themselves, gently pull them to remove them. How long do stitches or staples stay in place?
Things to remember: Stitches and staples need to stay in place for up to 14 days. Your
 Do not get your steri-strips wet (until they are due to come off). doctor or nurse will inform you of how long is required for your
 Do not remove steri-strips to look at the wound. individual wound. Your GP or practice nurse can remove stitches and
staples unless otherwise instructed. (Please book an appointment).
 Do not remove peeling steri-strips.
Things to remember:
 Do reapply new steri-strips over ones that are coming unstuck.
Glue  Do not go swimming
After a traumatic wound, if you are unsure about your child’s
Medical glue is used to form an artificial scab over a wound. It can
immunisations / tetanus status, please contact your practice nurse or
be used on its own or in conjunction with steri-strips. Glue is used to
health visitor to ensure your child has adequate tetanus cover.
bring the edges of a wound together, stops bleeding and puts a
protective cover over the wound.