From the Guidelines
Dermabond skin glue is suitable for closing clean, low-tension wounds that are less than 5 cm in length, have straight edges, and are not located in high-mobility areas, as it provides a strong, flexible bond that lasts 5-10 days and naturally sloughs off as the skin heals, eliminating the need for suture removal 1. When considering the use of Dermabond skin glue, it is essential to evaluate the wound's characteristics, including its length, location, and tension. Ideal wounds for Dermabond are superficial lacerations or surgical incisions with minimal bleeding and no signs of infection. The wound should be less than 12 hours old, not contaminated, and not located on mucous membranes, in hair-bearing areas, over joints, or in areas with high moisture like the axilla or perineum.
Some key parameters to consider when using Dermabond skin glue include:
- Wound length: less than 5 cm
- Wound location: not in high-mobility areas, mucous membranes, hair-bearing areas, over joints, or in areas with high moisture
- Wound age: less than 12 hours old
- Wound contamination: no signs of infection or contamination
- Patient factors: no known hypersensitivity to cyanoacrylates
Before applying Dermabond skin glue, the wound must be thoroughly cleaned, hemostasis achieved, and the skin completely dry. This ensures a strong bond and minimizes the risk of infection. Dermabond creates a waterproof, antimicrobial barrier that reduces infection risk while offering comparable cosmetic outcomes to sutures for appropriate wounds 1.
It is crucial to note that Dermabond skin glue should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to cyanoacrylates, on infected wounds, or on wounds from animal or human bites. By carefully evaluating the wound's characteristics and following proper application techniques, Dermabond skin glue can be a safe and effective alternative to traditional sutures for closing eligible wounds.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Parameters for Wound Closure with Dermabond Skin Glue
- Wound size: Dermabond is best suited for small, superficial lacerations, but it can also be used on larger wounds where subcutaneous sutures are needed 2.
- Wound type: It can be used for incisional or laceration repair, including those after laparoscopy interventions 2, 3.
- Suture replacement: Dermabond can replace sutures that are 5-0 or smaller in diameter 2.
- Cosmetic outcome: The long-term cosmetic outcome with Dermabond is comparable to that of traditional methods of repair 2.
- Ease of use: Dermabond is relatively easy to use following appropriate wound preparation 2.
- Patient acceptance: Patients, especially children, readily accept the idea of being "glued" over traditional methods of repair 2.
- Tensile strength: Octylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesive, such as Dermabond, has a significantly greater tensile strength compared to other cyanoacrylate adhesives 3.
- Healing time: Cyanoacrylate adhesives, including Dermabond, can result in shorter healing times compared to nylon sutures 4.
- Inflammatory reaction: Cyanoacrylate adhesives cause less intense inflammatory reactions compared to nylon sutures 4.