"Super Glue" Can Be Used Instead of Sutures

Dermabond is a Medical "Super Glue"

Dermabond® is the only FDA-approved and commercially available adhesive for wound repair in the US.

The American Family Physician has a good review on Using Tissue Adhesive for Wound Repair: A Practical Guide to Dermabond (3/2000).

The commercial website for Dermabond has patient information but not much on, for example, how you can remove the glue.

Medgadget writes that many people still do not know about the super-glue: "Dermabond is not new. It's been around for a decade. And it makes sutures so 19-th century."

For a professional review of indications and contraindications to Dermabond, please read the American Family Physician article above (free full text).


Over-the-counter Super Glue

Band-Aid® Liquid Bandage is an over-the-counter product based on the same glue (cyanoacrylate) that is in Dermabond. If you have an wound which needs stiches or Dermabond, you have to go to ER. By contrast, Liquid Bandage, which works fine for small wounds and cuts, is available at Walmart.


How is Liquid Bandage different from Dermabond?

Liquid Bandage has lower tensile strength than Dermabond. "If you place the material between your thumb and finger and hold it for 2 minutes you will still be able to pull your fingers apart. This is not possible with Dermabond." (Source: BandAid.com)


References:

Using Tissue Adhesive for Wound Repair: A Practical Guide to Dermabond. AFP 3/2000.
Liquid Bandage
Cyanoacrylate from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia