From the Research
If you're experiencing an allergic reaction to Dermabond (medical skin adhesive), discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention. Signs of an allergic reaction include redness, swelling, itching, rash, or blistering beyond what would be expected from normal wound healing. For mild reactions, apply cool compresses to reduce inflammation and take an oral antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 25-50mg every 6 hours as needed. For more severe reactions with significant swelling or blistering, a healthcare provider may prescribe a topical steroid cream like hydrocortisone 1% or oral steroids like prednisone, however, it's essential to consider the potential for hypersensitivity reactions to corticosteroids 1. Do not attempt to forcibly remove Dermabond as this may damage the skin; it will naturally slough off in 5-10 days. Allergic reactions to Dermabond are relatively rare but can occur due to sensitivity to cyanoacrylate, the main component of the adhesive, with an estimated incidence of 0.5% 2. If you've had a reaction, be sure to inform healthcare providers about this allergy before any future procedures, as alternative wound closure methods like sutures, staples, or different adhesives can be used instead. Key considerations in managing allergic contact dermatitis due to Dermabond include early recognition, removal of the adhesive, and appropriate treatment, which can lead to resolution of symptoms without a significant impact on wound healing 3, 4, 2. It's also important to note that allergic contact dermatitis to Dermabond can occur after the first exposure, and secondary generalization is frequent, with most patients showing cross-reactivity to ethyl cyanoacrylate 4. In cases of severe reactions, patients may require oral antihistamines, topical corticosteroids, or oral corticosteroids, and all cases of allergic contact dermatitis ultimately resolve with appropriate treatment 2.