Dermabond: Surgical Skin Glue

Dermabond: Surgical Skin Glue

Dermabond is a medical skin adhesive that is used to glue the sides of an incision or injury closed. Dermabond has shown to improve healing rates, reduce the chances of an infection, and the patient spends less time seeking medical attention. Dermabond is sometimes used instead of stitches for small incisions and lacerations. Dermabond can also be used in conjunction with deep dermal stitches. Dermabond results have been extensively reviewed and proven through clinical studies.

How to Use Dermabond Topical Skin Adhesive

1. Clean the wound thoroughly.
2. Hold pressure on the injury site to stop any bleeding.
3. Determine which type of Dermabond topical skin adhesive will be most appropriate for the application.
4. Dermabond Mini Skin Adhesive DHVM12 is best for small incisions and lacerations.
5. Dermabond Advanced Skin Adhesive DNX12 is ideal for mid to large lacerations and open hernia repair.
6. Dermabond Prineo Skin Closure System is designed to replace the use of subcuticular sutures.
7. Line up the wound edges. This will be easier with cleaner cuts and more difficult for a stellate laceration. It is worth the time to align the edges to minimize scarring.
8. Uncover the near end of the wound while you continue to hold pressure on the rest of its length.
9. As each section is uncovered, apply the skin glue and wait until it dries. It typically takes 2 1/2 to 3 minutes to reach maximum hardness. It is not necessary to wait this entire period before moving to the next section to apply the glue to the incision or laceration.
10. Uncover more of the cut and continue until you have sealed the entire length of the gash with the topical skin adhesive.
11. In this process, it is likely that there will be additional bleeding. The blood and glue will mix to form hard lumps and bubbles. This has an odd appearance, but it is completely normal.

Dermabond Aftercare Instructions

After a wound has been dressed using Dermabond, these aftercare instructions should be passed along to patients and caregivers:

1. Check the appearance of the injury site regularly.
2. Redress the cut with bandages as instructed.
3. Do not place the dressing tape directly over the top of the Dermabond adhesive because when you remove the tape, the adhesive may be loosened or removed with it.
4. Avoid the application of any topical liquid or cream, even medicated types, over the laceration site. It may loosen the skin adhesive before the cut is completed healed.
5. Keep the injury site dry. Shower or bathe as usual, but do not scrub or soak the wound. Blot the wound dry gently with a soft cloth.
6. Never rub, pick or scratch at the Dermabond adhesive film. This may also loosen the skin adhesive before the cut is completed healed.
7. Stay out of the sun for prolonged periods and avoid the tanning booth while the wound heals.

How does Dermabond work?

Dermabond Surgical Skin Glue provides a secure, topical skin closure system to add protection and strength when closing surgical incisions, and previously cleansed traumatic lacerations. This allows for normal healing below the topical application. The healing takes place between the wound edges as a strong bond is formed using a cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive. The application replaces sutures 5-0 or smaller in diameter for both laceration and incision repairs.

The closure device is always critical to the support of the skin tissues to prevent wound edges from separating. Bacterial contamination and infection are therefore reduced, suboptimal cosmesis (ugly scarring) is avoided, and patient satisfaction is improved.

Dermabond adhesive is mainly used by surgeons, and vets in an operating room when incisions need to be sealed quickly, cleanly and securely. It is also used for wound closure in first aid situations, like in emergency rooms and clinics, and in people’s homes for family members and dogs.

What do physicians and their patients need to know about using Dermabond?

Dermabond allows normal healing below the topical application on apposed wound edges by forming a strong bond using a cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive. It replaces sutures 5-0 or smaller in diameter for laceration or incision repair.

The skin adhesive saves time during the wound repairs, which can impact both surgical schedules and ER or clinic PPH rates. The water resistant, flexible, protective coating eliminates the necessity for suture removal appointments.

Long term cosmetic outcomes with the Dermabond skin adhesive are comparable to traditional suture repair methods. While ideally suited for smaller, superficial lacerations and minimally invasive surgeries, it is used confidently on larger sized wounds when subcutaneous sutures are also applied.

The skin adhesive is particularly easy to use after the wound has been appropriately prepared. The applicators are designed for quick, targeted application. Most patients, especially children, accept the idea quite happily of being “glued back together” as compared to getting stitches.

Why Use Dermabond?

For many wounds, Dermabond is considered a highly desirable replacement for sutures. There are several reasons why Dermabond is a better alternative:

1. No needles: Dermabond is applied with topical anaesthetic. Patient acceptance and satisfaction is increased. No anaesthetic injections mean less hesitation by many patients, especially children.
2. Faster wound healing times: This is due to the water-resistant nature of the covering, and the microbial barrier to bacteria.
3. No return appointments: There are no sutures to remove. This saves everyone time, leading to higher patient satisfaction.
4. Bonds in minutes: Skilled physicians apply the medical glue quickly and easily. Bonding strength maximum at 2 1/2 to 3 minutes means shorter appointments and higher PPH rates.
5. No suture “train tracks”: Wound strength is equivalent to healed tissue in 7 days with no suture stitch marks, avoiding suboptimal cosmesis.

What parts of the body are best for Dermabond Use?

Most commonly, the skin adhesive is used to close selected wounds on torso, extremities and the face. Torso and extremity wounds often heal better with an additional, previous placement of subcutaneous sutures. Face wounds need to be away from the eyes, lips and mouth. Eyebrow injuries may be glued but the physician must weigh the possibility the glue will interfere with the hair. Keep glue out of patient hair.

In high mobility or tension areas, like joints, the area needs to be immobilized using a splint so premature removal of the adhesive is avoided. Dermabond can be used on fingers, toes, knees, or elbows, if the area is not moved for the duration of the healing period.

My doctor closed my wound with Dermabond. What happens now?

1. Be sure to check the overall appearance of the healing wound, frequently and regularly . It is common to see some redness and swelling near any wound. Pain is also very common and completely normal. As the wound heals the redness, swelling and pain should lessen over time. If any of these get worse, or if the wound starts to feel warm to touch, a doctor needs to examine the wound site again. If for any reason the edges of the cut reopen, have the wound re-examined by a medical professional.
2. Redress the wound regularly with a bandage, as instructed by a medical professional. For wounds that are bandaged, the bandage should be kept dry. The dressing should be replaced daily until the skin adhesive has naturally fallen off. Replace the bandage any time it gets wet.
3. Do not place the dressing tape directly over the top of the Dermabond adhesive. The wound glue is stuck to the skin, but it can be removed if the tape’s adhesive is sufficiently sticky to break the bonds the surgical glue has with the injured tissue. This is especially important early in the healing cycle.
4. Avoid the application of any topical liquid or cream. Do not apply topic liquid, cream or gel over the wound site as it may loosen the skin adhesive before the cut is completed healed. Although it may seem that a medicated cream could aid the healing, it could break the bonds between the skin and the adhesive. This opens the protective microbial barrier that is inhibiting bacteria from entering the wound and creates a greater chance for infection and slower healing.
5. Keep the wound dry. Shower or bathe as usual, but do not scrub or soak the wound. Carefully, blot the wound dry, gently with a soft cloth. Do not go swimming and avoid activities that may cause overheating or excessive perspiration. Soon enough the Dermabond will naturally fall off and all activities can be resumed.
6. Never rub, pick or scratch at the Dermabond adhesive film. Avoid loosening the skin adhesive before the cut is completed healed. This may be especially tempting for small children, or during sleep. If so, consider a bandage or other method of covering the wound to reduce the chances of interrupting the healing cycle.
7. Stay out of the sun for extended periods. While your skin is tender and healing, be sure to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Also, be sure to stay away from tanning booths until the wound is fully healed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dermabond be used on the scalp? Closing scalp wounds is ideal, but meticulous care must be taken to prevent the adhesive from getting into the hair.

Can Dermabond be used on eyelids? No. It is not supposed to be used near the eyes. Even with extreme care there is the possibility of contact with the surface of the eyes, or gluing eyelids or lashes together.

Can Dermabond be used on lips or in the mouth? No. Mucous membranes and highly mobile areas are not appropriately treated with medical adhesives.

Can Dermabond be used on dogs? Yes. The same limits apply to animals as apply to humans. Vets regularly use medical adhesive in surgery and for wound repair for dogs, and other animals.

What types of wounds to avoid? Never use tissue adhesive on ulcers, animal bites, punctures, severely contaminated wounds, mucous membranes or any high moisture area, like the axillae or groin.

Is Dermabond the same as super glue for cuts? Yes, and no. Unlike super glue on skin, these specialized liquid adhesives are non-toxic. They do not burn the skin and injured tissues, like super glue does. The medical adhesive aids healing, not only by holding the edges of the cut together but also by providing a microbial barrier to reduce infection. They begin to solidify immediately when they come into contact with the skin, so they develop a firm bond that works as a superior tissue adhesive. The laceration begins to heal immediately using a medical skin glue, without any burning or toxicity. Using super glue on wounds is not recommended.

Can Dermabond be purchased over the counter? Yes, it is available without a prescription in the U.S. and in Canada. Although used by medical professionals in hospitals, clinics and Emergency Rooms of all types, it is not necessary to have a prescription to purchase your own personal first aid or emergency supply.

Click here to order Dermabond Mini Skin Adhesive DHVM12 for small lacerations and incisions.

Click here to order Dermabond Advanced Skin Adhesive DNX12 for medium sized lacerations and incisions.

Click here to order Dermabond Prineo Skin Closure System to replace the use of subcuticular sutures.

Dermabond Adhesive Skin Glue is a must have inventory item for every medical center, surgical center, hospital, clinic or emergency room application. USA Medical and Surgical Supply stocks Dermabond products to ensure timely delivery for you and your patients. Order today.