From the Guidelines
If nail glue gets on your face or in your eye, this is a medical emergency requiring immediate action. For nail glue on the face, do not try to pull it off forcefully. Instead, soak the affected area with warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes to loosen the adhesive, then gently roll or peel it off. You can also apply petroleum jelly or mineral oil to help dissolve the bond. If nail glue gets in your eye, rinse immediately with cool, clean water for at least 15-20 minutes, as recommended by the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1. Do not try to force your eye open if it's glued shut. Seek emergency medical attention right away, as cyanoacrylate adhesives can cause corneal damage, including corneal edema and opacification, as discussed in the corneal edema and opacification preferred practice pattern 1. Do not use any solvents or chemicals to try to remove the glue from your eye. Nail glue (cyanoacrylate) bonds quickly to skin and other tissues, which is why it's dangerous when it contacts sensitive areas. The chemicals can cause burns, irritation, and potentially serious damage, especially to the eye. Even after home treatment for face exposure, see a doctor if you experience persistent redness, pain, or irritation.
Some key considerations for treatment include:
- Avoiding the use of force to remove the glue
- Using warm, soapy water to loosen the adhesive
- Applying petroleum jelly or mineral oil to help dissolve the bond
- Rinsing the eye with cool, clean water for at least 15-20 minutes
- Seeking emergency medical attention if the glue gets in the eye
It's also important to note that cyanoacrylate adhesives have been used in medical settings to treat certain eye conditions, such as corneal perforations or descemetoceles, as discussed in the corneal edema and opacification preferred practice pattern 1. However, this should only be done by a medical professional in a controlled environment. In the case of accidental exposure, it's crucial to prioritize immediate action and seek medical attention to minimize the risk of serious damage.
From the Research
Effects of Cyanoacrylate Exposure to the Face and Eye
- Cyanoacrylate, commonly found in nail glue, can cause significant discomfort and potentially serious clinical effects when exposed to the eye 2, 3, 4.
- The most common clinical effects of ocular nail glue exposures include foreign body sensation, corneal abrasion, and conjunctivitis 3.
- In some cases, cyanoacrylate exposure can cause the eyelids to stick together, requiring careful separation and removal of the glue 4, 5.
- Accidental instillation of superglue can occur due to its similarity in appearance to eye ointment tubes, highlighting the need for immediate medical attention to prevent ocular morbidity 4.
- Treatment options for cyanoacrylate injuries to the eye include moderate rinsing, mechanical removal of the glue, and awaiting spontaneous rejection of the glue 2.
- A simple technique using a Jameson muscle hook can be used to release eyelid adhesions due to cyanoacrylate application, eliminating the need for sedation or general anesthesia 5.
Characteristics of Ocular Nail Glue Exposures
- The majority of patients who experience ocular nail glue exposures are female, with the most common age distribution being 20 years or older 3.
- The most common circumstances leading to ocular nail glue exposures include mistaking nail glue for eye drops, splashing the glue into the eye, and rubbing the glue into the eye 3.
- Nail glue exposures can result in a range of clinical effects, from minor irritation to more serious conditions such as corneal abrasion and conjunctivitis 3, 4.
Importance of Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment
- Accurate diagnosis of cyanoacrylate exposure is crucial to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure proper treatment 6.
- Differentiating between nail polish remover (acetone) and nail glue remover (acetonitrile) is essential, as acetonitrile can produce severe delayed toxicity due to its metabolism to cyanide 6.
- Physicians and laboratories must take care to avoid misdiagnosis of acetonitrile ingestion as exposure to acetone, ethanol, or another alcohol 6.