Wound Care for Skin Glue (Cyanoacrylate)
You can leave skin glue open to air without covering it with a bandaid—the glue itself acts as a waterproof, protective barrier that eliminates the need for additional dressing in most cases. 1
Immediate Post-Application Care (First 24-48 Hours)
- Keep the wound clean and dry for the first 24-48 hours after skin glue application to allow proper adhesion and initial healing 1
- Avoid submerging the wound in water during this initial period, though brief showers may be acceptable after 24 hours if you can keep the area dry 2
- Do not apply any ointments, creams, lotions, or petroleum-based products over or near the skin glue, as these substances will dissolve the adhesive and cause premature breakdown 2
Why Covering Is Usually Unnecessary
The cyanoacrylate glue creates its own occlusive barrier that:
- Protects the wound from external contamination 1
- Maintains an optimal healing environment 1
- Acts as a waterproof seal once fully polymerized 3
The American Heart Association guidelines support that occlusive dressings promote wound healing for superficial wounds, but skin glue already provides this occlusive function 4. Adding a bandaid on top provides no additional benefit for infection prevention or healing in clean wounds 4.
Daily Monitoring Requirements
- Check the wound daily for signs of infection: increasing pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge 1
- Monitor for wound edges separating (dehiscence), which occurs more frequently with tissue adhesives than sutures 1
- Pain disproportionate to the injury severity may indicate deeper complications such as infection or wound breakdown and requires immediate medical evaluation 1
When You SHOULD Cover With a Bandage
Consider covering the glued wound with a bandaid or dressing if:
- The wound is in a high-friction area (waistband, bra line, shoe contact) where mechanical disruption is likely 1
- The wound is actively oozing or bleeding, which can prevent proper glue adhesion 1
- You need additional mechanical support for a high-tension wound, as sutures are significantly better than tissue adhesives alone for preventing wound dehiscence (RR 3.35; 95% CI 1.53-7.33) 1
Activity Restrictions
- Avoid activities that place tension on the wound or cause excessive sweating for at least the first week 2
- Elevate the injured body part if swollen to accelerate healing 2
Duration of Glue Retention
- The glue will naturally slough off in 5-7 days for facial wounds (due to excellent blood supply and faster healing) 2
- For trunk, arm, or leg wounds, the glue typically remains for 10-14 days 2
- Do not pick or peel the glue off prematurely—allow it to separate naturally as the underlying skin heals 2
Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Seek medical care if you develop:
- Fever or chills 2
- Red streaks extending from the wound 2
- Pus or cloudy drainage 2
- Wound edges separating or opening 2
- Increasing pain after the first 2-3 days 2
- Foul odor from the wound 2
Important Caveat: Contact Dermatitis Risk
Be aware that allergic contact dermatitis to cyanoacrylate occurs in approximately 14% of patients, which is substantially higher than commonly recognized 5. If you develop a rash, itching, or skin irritation around the glued area (not just at the wound itself), this may represent an allergic reaction requiring glue removal and medical evaluation 5.