Butterfly Wound Closures (10) 10 x 46mm

Butterfly wound closures, 10 x 46mm, pack of 10. Adhesive skin closures that pull the edges of a small cut together without stitches, anaesthetic or needle marks.

How butterfly closures work

Each strip has a narrow bridge between two adhesive ends. You anchor one side clear of the wound, draw the edges together, then anchor the other. The bridge holds the tension across the gap while the skin heals, and the rounded ends resist lifting and curling so they stay put longer than a plain strip.

For a clean, shallow, straight cut with edges that meet easily, that is often all that is needed, and it avoids the anaesthetic and the puncture marks that come with suturing.

When a cut needs stitches instead of closures

This is the important part. Get medical assessment rather than closing it yourself if the wound:

• gapes open, or the edges will not meet with gentle pressure
• is deep enough to show fat, muscle or bone
• is bleeding heavily or spurting
• is on the face, a joint, the hand or over a crease that moves
• was caused by a bite, a dirty or rusty object, or has anything embedded in it
• is in someone with diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system

Applying butterfly closures

Clean and dry the skin thoroughly, because adhesive will not hold on damp or greasy skin. Start in the middle of the cut, anchor one side, draw the edges together without overlapping them, and press the other side down. Space the remaining strips along the wound with small gaps between, which lets any fluid escape rather than building up underneath.

Keep them dry, leave them in place as directed, and let them lift on their own rather than pulling them off. Browse first aid supplies, or keep them with your first aid kit.

Specifications

Seek medical attention for deep, gaping, heavily bleeding, dirty or bite wounds, for wounds on the face or joints, and for any sign of infection. Check tetanus status after a dirty or puncture wound. This information is a general guide and is not medical advice.