It happens to all of us. On a Sunday afternoon when the doctor’s office is closed, we slice our finger in the kitchen or our ankle or some other body part while working or playing in the great outdoors. We are able to stop the bleeding but after that? Ouch. It looks like stitches might be needed. Talk about bad timing.
In this review, learn about ZipStitch, the consumer version of a professional product that can be used to securely close minor cuts, wounds, and lacerations without the use of invasive sutures. Not only that, I have two ZipStitch kits available in a giveaway to two lucky readers.
Note: This giveaway has ended.
What is ZipStitch
In the simplest of terms, ZipStitch is a wound closure device that allows you to close small, but nasty, lacerations in just a minute or two. There is no skin puncturing involved and no DIY suturing. It is used when your typical butterfly bandage is not enough to protect a wound from opening.
Zip Surgical Skin Closure Device, the professional version of the ZipStitch, has been used professionally by health care professionals and surgeons since 2014. The ZipStitch consumer product takes advantage of the very same technology. It uses a hydrocolloid adhesive formulated for 2-week wear with an adjustable closure so that the ZipStitch can be dialed in to close the wound as much or as little as needed.
The ZipStitch comes in a kit about the size of a #10 business envelope. Inside the kit is the ZipStitch device itself, along with an alcohol wipe, gauze pad, and large, protective bandage. There is also a large, fold-out instruction sheet as well as printed instructions on the sterile packet that contains the device itself.
How Do You Use It?
1. Wash hands
As with all first aid procedures, if you can, thoroughly wash you hands with soap and water before using the ZipStitch. If you have nitrile or latex gloves, use them as well. Likewise, if you have scissors available, clip away any hair that surrounds the wound.
2. Control Bleeding
The first thing you are going to want to do is stop the bleeding. Use the included gauze pad and apply pressure. Warning: in my experience I have learned that it is best to keep applying pressure for five minutes after the bleeding has stopped, just to be sure.
3. Clean Wound
Once the bleeding in under control, use the alcohol wipe to clean the laceration plus the surrounding area. This will help prevent infection plus will remove any dirt or debris from the wound itself. Allow the area to dry completely.
4. Apply the ZipStitch device
Open the sterile package containing the ZipStitch and remove the clear liner. Center it over the would and press firmly to the skin. Remove the paper frame. Note that there is a small tab you can use to make this easier.
5. Pinch the Straps Closed
Now the fun part. Hold the device in place and pull each of the four straps to tighten and close the wound. Be sure not to over-tighten. If the surrounding area is swollen, you can always adjust it tighter later when the swelling has gone down.
If you have clean scissors available, snip off the excess straps.
6. Apply a Protective Dressing
Create a dressing by covering the wound and ZipStitch device with the large, 4″ x 3″ bandage that is included in the kit. Before applying the bandage, I personally would apply topical essential oils to the wound to promote healing. But that’s just me.
Here is an informative YouTube video that describes how to use the ZipStitch.
Things to Know
The ZipStitch is intended for use on wounds and lacerations up to 1 1/2″ in length. In addition, the wound being treated should be more or less straight, without jagged edges, Anything larger than that may require professional intervention.
If you have scissors available, you can save yourself some grief down the road by snipping away any hairs that surround the wounded area. As you can see in the photo above, I did not do that while testing the device for this review.
ZipStitch has a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Additional Reading: First Aid Healing Boo-Boo Stick Using Essential Oils
The Giveaway
ZipStitch is offering a free kit to 2 lucky readers. Using the Rafflecopter below, entering is easy and everyone gets a free entry although you also have an opportunity to earn bonus entries. Please note that this giveaway is only open to readers with a US shipping address. The giveaway will run through Tuesday, January 29 at 12AM MST.
Winners will be selected at random and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. Good luck!
Where to Buy
ZipStitch is available for purchase on Amazon or directly via their website at https://zipstitch.us/. While the cost may seem expensive, it is the fraction of the cost of a trip to the ER.
The Prepping Angle
Every prepper I know has an extensive first aid kit that includes products for wound care. Many also include suture kits, although I do not do so myself. That said, suturing is invasive and if done irresponsibly, can leave lasting scars at best, and create an infection at worst.
To me, the solution to SHTF wound care is to include a ZipStitch kit as well as various sizes of bandages in both the at-home first aid kit as well as bug-out and get home bags. It is also a good idea to include some self-adhesive wrap bandages and a bottle of “invisible liquid bandage” in your kit.
Summing It All Up
In the past year, there have been two instances where I could have used the ZipStitch device. The first is when a hand truck ran over my foot while I was camping. Don’t ask. Anyway, the laceration was about an inch long but deep and difficult to keep closed. The bleeding would stop then an hour later it would start all over again. We finally got things under control without having to head back to civilization but for a while it was touch and go.
The second instance was when my husband, Shelly, sliced his finger with his pocket knife. Similarly, we could not get the wound closed enough to prevent it from reopening and starting to bleed again. We finally resorted to a very tight gauze dressing covered with a self-adhesive wrap bandage. Butterfly bandages were useless.
Given my recent experience, I am grateful to have ZipStitch devices in my first aid arsenal. I hope you, too, appreciate their usefulness and will take a few minutes to enter the giveaway. Good luck!
Yours for a Joyful Life,
Gaye
Strategic Haul
Here are links to the products mentioned in this article. As always, these are products I own and use myself.
ZipStitch: The ZipStitch is a viable alternative to stitches and DIY sutures when used on cuts, wounds, and lacerations up to 1.5″ in length. The ZipStitch can be applied in minutes and in most cases, can save you a trip to Urgent Care or the ER. Perfect for the first aid kit both at home and when on the go.
Self Adhesive Wrap Bandages: I first learned about this type of bandage when I took my dog to the vet. At the time, they were commonly referred to as “vet wrap”. These days, self-adhesive wrap bandages are ubiquitous, and available everywhere.
Liquid Bandage: If you have never used a liquid bandage, you are going to be surprised at how well it works. A small bottle belongs in every first aid kit and will last for years.
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Deborah Ellis says
January 22, 2019 at 5:39 pmMost unusual item in our kit would be the sutures I purchased at my husband’s request. He insisted we needed them. That and the iodide we have, which we have used on his wounds in the past.
Sue Courington says
January 22, 2019 at 5:40 pmI really need to get these, not just for SHTF, but for my accident prone family.
Sherri says
January 22, 2019 at 6:30 pmHmmm… most unusual thing in my first aid kit. Found a couple twist ties, paper clips, and disposable razor. Might be useful in a situation when I need to channeling McGyver,
Gaye Levy says
January 22, 2019 at 6:38 pmI have always kept a disposable razor in my first aid kit. One really good use is to have the razor to shave off facial hair when it is necessary to wear a totally sealed respirator mask in the sick room. Good to hear you have included one, too.
Gail says
January 22, 2019 at 6:35 pmThese are fascinating. I really like the idea of having these handy. So, liquid bandage is useful? Many years ago, I tried some like this and it was a failure. Either I did not use it right, or it has improved a LOT in the last few years.
I used to be a Girl Scout Leader and I carried pieces of pool noodle in the kit. Makeshift splint (never needed it for that, thank goodness),protection over a bad bruise or cut….
karen says
January 22, 2019 at 7:26 pmKotex for pressure bandage and diapers in the stock kit for hoof injuries.
Catherine says
January 22, 2019 at 7:29 pmWhen raising my youngest, these would have been invaluable! Probably would have used an average of 10 a year. He was one of those kids, the ER nurses knew him by name!
Karen C says
January 22, 2019 at 8:24 pmNot sure if it is the most unusual, but we have staple guns in our first aid supplies (picked up at a prepper show from Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy). I heard about the ZipStitch a couple of weeks ago and added to my wish list. Like the idea of the disposable razor – it gets added tomorrow! Great giveaway – thanks.
Carolyn says
January 23, 2019 at 6:43 amA diaper and pads.
Barb says
January 23, 2019 at 6:44 amIt’s not unusual, but I always have zip-top bags and maxi pads in my kit. I am definitely going to add a disposable razor now!
Karl Woods says
January 23, 2019 at 7:08 amtampons and pads
Larry M says
January 23, 2019 at 7:22 amProbably a staple gun which I have never used but should learn how to do so. The ZipStitch sounds like a much better alternative for small wounds.
Rust says
January 23, 2019 at 8:42 amThe most unusual in my kit are iodine tablets and a full face air-filter mask.
KathyO says
January 23, 2019 at 9:31 amCatherine, you and me both, Son2 was ALWAYS getting banged up, Trying to keep up with his older brother(5 yrs difference). LOL Thanks Gaye.
KathyO says
January 23, 2019 at 9:33 amOOPS forgot to add, I have a couple of cloth diapers and diaper pins in the kit to make slings for the little ones.
Nancy Mosman says
January 23, 2019 at 10:02 amWe have left over, unexpired supplies from Don’s construction site that would be tossed, so he brings them home instead. 😄 This article is a good reminder to update our kit!
Nicole says
January 23, 2019 at 10:36 amThese would have come in handy when the butterfly sutures weren’t doing the job on a wound I was trying to close without stitches.
Having also recently recovered from major surgery, I can highly recommend Medi-Honey as an aid in faster wound healing. The wound care nurse cleaned the incision site daily, applied the Medi-Honey, and covered the area with a breathable bandage. No infections, practically daily progress, and the six-inch incision healed much faster and cleaner than expected. One of the nurses suggested Trader Joe’s purified honey will have similar properties, but as always YMMV.
Floyd Smith says
January 23, 2019 at 10:51 amHey Gaye that’s a really cool bandage. I hope I win one. Keep up the good work.
Floyd
Janine says
January 23, 2019 at 11:57 amI don’t think I have anything really unusual in my medical supplies…in fact, my medical kit is woefully under-prepared. 🙁
Harold Lee says
January 23, 2019 at 2:25 pmI include tampons and minipads in my first aid kit.
Mick says
January 23, 2019 at 4:37 pmMy son went nuts with medical supplies. I now have 200 scapels, 200 hypodermic needles, 500 alchohol pads, 500 tongue depressors, 5 cervical collars, and the list goes on and on. All we need now is a building, a few doctors and nurses and I could own my own private hospital. This giveaway item sounds so much better than one of us trying to suture somebody. Yes, I’ve got tons of needles and sutures!
Gaye Levy says
January 24, 2019 at 9:45 amTalk about a prepper’s dream come true!
Mary C says
January 23, 2019 at 4:41 pmI like to keep one of my sewing needles and matches to sterilize the point.
ruth w vidunas says
January 23, 2019 at 5:34 pmMost unusual would be duck tape and work out tape for athletes – the stretchy stuff
Jody says
January 23, 2019 at 7:33 pmI could have used this kit a few yrs ago on a camping trip! What a wonderful, useful giveaway!
Deb says
January 23, 2019 at 8:19 pmMaxipads and tampons are old hat now, so I would say dental glue or the can of pepper to stop bleeding is the most unusual.
This zipit thing is a wonderful invention. I can suture and have some sutures and instruments, but the less invasive the better!
Deb E says
January 23, 2019 at 9:39 pmAt one time or another I’ve had the need for a wrist, knee, or ankle brace, so you can bet I have those three in my kit. They’re a bit better than the cheap ones so if I turned my ankle or my carpal tunnel acted up, they’d usually work until I could get home and take care of the situation.
Grammyprepper says
January 23, 2019 at 11:29 pmThe most unusual item in my first aid kit would have to be a basic surgical kit. Most folks wouldn’t know what to do with most of it, but I am a retired ER nurse.
One word of caution, whether using a product like this, or suturing wounds: Make sure the wound is clean before you close it. A dirty wound that gets closed up either way, is a sure way to end up VERY ill! If there is any chance that there is dirt or debris in the wound, it should be well irrigated before closure. Bleeding alone won’t cleanse the wound sufficiently. *This is not meant to be medical advice, you should always consult a trusted medical practicioner*.
Gaye Levy says
January 24, 2019 at 9:43 amGood point that bears repeating. I keep sterile irrigation syringes (https://amzn.to/2MrNoPY) in my FAK. If clean water is not available, I also have a bottle of alcohol that I can use.
hujonwi says
January 24, 2019 at 2:56 amReading glasses…
Michele S. says
January 24, 2019 at 4:36 amI don’t really have much of a first aid kit, just the basic stuff. This item would become the most unusual item in the kit if I won.
Moxy says
January 24, 2019 at 8:38 amThe most unusual item in my first aid kit? A sick bucket. Plastic container lined with a 1-gallon ziplock bag (tidy disposal of vomit) and including hand sanitizer, small tissue packet, and peppermints for coughs & tummy aches. Sure came in handy when we all had the flu!Thanks to Linda Loosli for the idea.
Gaye Levy says
January 24, 2019 at 9:35 amWhat a great idea. I have a collapsible bucket that will fit nicely in my Ammo Can First Aid Kit (https://amzn.to/2DwVJyU).
Lisa says
January 24, 2019 at 3:28 pmI have a scope for checking ears in my medical supplies.
Olivia says
January 26, 2019 at 8:57 amtampons, pads, dental floss, epi pen
Denise says
January 26, 2019 at 10:46 pmTampons and dental floss.
Sonya says
January 27, 2019 at 9:22 amIt is 8:20 am Sunday, Jan 27th and the giveaway link is not working at this time.
Gaye Levy says
January 27, 2019 at 9:29 amI just tried and it is working for me. Perhaps there was a short glitch with the Rafflecopter app. Please do try again since this is a great giveaway.
Sonya says
January 27, 2019 at 1:56 pmI have tried the link many times and this is the error code I keep getting.
http://m.gvwy.io/?scale=0.8955&raflid=5d6e55115&template=&previous_url=https%3A%2F%2Fstrategiclivingblog.com%2Fzipstitch-alternative-to-stitches-review%2F&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fpreppersdailynews.com%2F
I am going to try again on my desktop and see if it is just an issue with my mobile connection.
Sonya says
January 27, 2019 at 2:18 pmI did get the link to work on my desktop it just would not work on my phone.
Gaye Levy says
January 27, 2019 at 2:26 pmGreat!
Mark says
January 27, 2019 at 9:25 amI keep tampons (for puncture wounds) and super glue (for small but deep-ish cuts) in all my first aid kits.
Linda says
January 27, 2019 at 11:59 amGaye, this is a great product that everyone should buy! Great giveaway!
Gaye Levy says
January 27, 2019 at 12:13 pmGood to hear from you, Linda. It has been ages. I am bringing back giveaways – just like in the old days:)
Sonya says
January 27, 2019 at 2:34 pmWe keep B6 tablets and sublingual liquid BComplex in our kit for use as bug/mosquito repellent. Several of my children a highly allergic to mosquitoes and this is the best deterrent we have come across. Vitamin B is one of the vitamins that you can’t overdose on as your body easily flushes the excess from your system while the insects are repelled by the smell released in you skin.