Reinforcement of surgical adhesive strips

Surgical adhesive strips are often used for closure of some wounds or to minimize tension on sutures after closures. The package insert of the type most commonly used (Steri-Strip), indicates that the application of compound tincture of benzoin, U.S.P. (CTB) increases strip adhesion. The increase in adhesive power by CTB was compared with a preparation containing gum mastic (Mastisol). The study clearly demonstrated that the latter preparation provided a markedly more adhesive strength than that obtained with CTB.