When should I use butterfly closures instead of stitches?

Only for minor cuts; MedlinePlus says deep, large, facial or bone-deep wounds may need stitches.

Can I shower with Steri-Strips?

Solventum says yes unless your provider says otherwise; pat dry after.

Should I see a doctor for a cut from a rusty nail?

Yes. MedlinePlus lists rusty objects and stepping on a nail as reasons to contact a provider right away.

Butterfly closures and Steri-Strips

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

We research products from makers' specs and health sources; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.

Quick answerButterfly closures and closure strips such as Steri-Strip are sterile adhesive strips that hold the edges of a small cut together. Use them only on minor cuts: MedlinePlus says to contact a provider right away for a wound that is large, deep, more than a quarter inch deep, on the face, or reaching bone, since stitches may be needed. Solventum says to clean and dry the skin around the wound, place the first strip across the center without tension, then add strips about 1/8 inch apart.

Our picks at a glance

Nexcare Steri-Strip Wound Closure. Best for: Small, clean cuts with edges that meet. See options on Amazon
Sterile butterfly wound closure strips. Best for: Stocking a home first aid kit. See options on Amazon

Compare the picks and what to watch out for

Does this cut need stitches instead?

Closure strips are for minor cuts with edges that come together easily. MedlinePlus says to contact your health care provider right away if:

The wound is large or deep, even if bleeding is not severe.
It is more than a quarter inch deep, on the face, or reaching the bone; stitches may be needed.
It came from a human or animal bite, a fishhook or a rusty object, or you stepped on a nail.
Something is stuck in the wound; do not remove it yourself.
It shows infection signs such as warmth, redness, throbbing pain, fever, swelling, a red streak or pus-like drainage.

Call 911 if bleeding is severe or cannot be stopped, for example after 10 minutes of pressure, or if the person cannot feel the injured area.

Which cuts closure strips suit

Wound	Closure strips?	Source
Small, clean cut, bleeding controlled	Yes, on clean dry skin	Solventum
Surgical incision or after stitches or staples come out	Yes, for support, as directed	Solventum
More than a quarter inch deep, on the face, or to bone	See a provider; stitches may be needed	MedlinePlus
Bite, fishhook, rusty object or nail	See a provider right away	MedlinePlus
Debris stuck in the wound	Do not remove it; see a provider	MedlinePlus

Solventum describes its Steri-Strip closures as sterile, breathable adhesive strips reinforced with filaments, for lacerations and surgical incisions, and for support with or after skin sutures and staples. Butterfly closures sold for home kits serve the same purpose for minor cuts.

How to apply closure strips

Stop the bleeding and clean. Solventum says strips adhere best to clean, dry skin; bleeding should be under control. Mayo Clinic advises rinsing the wound under running water and washing around it with soap.
Dry a wide area. Clean and dry the skin at least two inches (50 mm) around the wound.
First strip in the center. Place it across the middle of the wound, bringing the edges together without excessive tension.
Fill in. Add strips about 1/8 inch (3 mm) apart until the edges meet.
Press firmly on each strip so the adhesive bonds.

Solventum also says to apply strips to skin free of chemicals and to avoid chemicals designed to increase adhesion.

Avoiding problems

Avoid excessive tension when placing strips, as Solventum directs. For fragile skin, Solventum mentions a no-sting barrier film applied and allowed to dry before the strips go on, and it says a clipper should be used if hair needs to be removed first. Watch the area for swelling or blistering.

Do not use closure strips on wounds that need stitches, on bites, or on wounds with debris in them. Before closing a cut, Mayo Clinic says to remove dirt or debris with tweezers cleaned with alcohol, and to avoid hydrogen peroxide or iodine, which can irritate wounds. Cover the strips if they need protection; see our gauze pads guide and medical tape guide.

Showering and removal

Solventum says that, unless your provider says otherwise, you may shower after strips are applied, then pat the area dry. Timing of removal is up to your health care provider.

To remove them, Solventum advises going low and slow toward the center of the wound while supporting the skin, to reduce the risk of skin stripping.

Tetanus and follow-up

MedlinePlus says to contact your provider if you have not had a tetanus shot within the last 10 years, and Mayo Clinic says a tetanus shot is needed if it has been more than five years and the wound is deep or dirty. Watch the wound daily for infection signs, and keep spare strips in your first aid kit alongside adhesive bandages.

MedlinePlus also suggests prevention at home: keep knives, scissors and other sharp objects out of children's reach, teach older children to use tools safely, and keep vaccinations up to date, since a tetanus vaccine is generally recommended every 10 years.

What to look for when you buy

Nexcare Steri-Strip Wound Closure

Best for: Small, clean cuts with edges that meet

Steri-Strip closures are sterile, breathable strips reinforced with filaments, per Solventum.

Watch out: Apply without tension; see a provider for deep or facial cuts.

See options on Amazon

Sterile butterfly wound closure strips

Best for: Stocking a home first aid kit

Individually sterile strips keep a closure option ready for minor cuts.

Watch out: Clean and dry the skin well before applying.