Proper Steps for Applying Wound Glue to a Finger Injury
To properly apply wound glue to a finger injury, ensure the wound is completely clean and dry, apply the least amount of adhesive necessary using a precise application technique, and avoid getting the glue into the wound itself. 1, 2
Wound Assessment and Preparation
- Tissue adhesives like octyl cyanoacrylate are best suited for low-tension wounds that can be easily approximated 3
- Ensure adequate lighting before beginning the procedure to properly visualize the wound 1
- Clean the wound thoroughly with copious amounts of water or sterile normal saline to prevent infection 3, 2
- The wound base must be completely dry before applying tissue adhesive, as moisture will prevent proper adhesion 2
- De-epithelialize the wound edges to create a clean and compact base for better adhesive adherence 2
Application Technique
- Apply the tissue adhesive using one of these methods: a 30-gauge needle, the wooden end of a cotton applicator, or a micropipette 1, 2
- Apply the least amount of glue necessary to seal the wound to avoid excess material that could cause irritation 2
- For external use only - avoid getting the adhesive inside the wound 4
- Hold the wound edges together with your fingers or forceps while applying the adhesive 5
- Apply a thin layer of the adhesive over the approximated wound edges 4
- Allow the first layer to dry completely (about 30 seconds) before applying a second layer if needed 5
Post-Application Care
- Consider applying Steri-Strips across the wound for additional support during final healing stages 1, 6
- The combination of tissue adhesive over Steri-Strips provides stronger wound closure than adhesive alone 7
- Monitor the wound for proper healing with good approximation of wound edges 1
- Watch for signs of infection, including increasing pain, redness, swelling, or discharge at the site 2
- The adhesive will naturally slough off in 5-10 days as the wound heals 5
Advantages and Limitations
- Tissue adhesives provide essentially painless closure for low-tension wounds 3
- Wound glue forms a water-resistant protective coating over the wound 5
- Be aware that tissue adhesives have a higher risk of wound dehiscence compared to sutures in high-tension areas 2
- For wounds under high tension where tissue adhesive may not provide adequate strength, consider alternative closure methods 1
Important Considerations
- For contaminated wounds, tissue adhesives may have antimicrobial properties that help reduce infection rates compared to sutures 8
- If the finger wound is deep, large, or under tension, tissue adhesive alone may not be sufficient 9
- For patients with factors that may delay wound healing, consider traditional suturing instead of adhesive 1
- Tissue adhesives can be used in combination with deep absorbable sutures for larger wounds 5