Dermabond Removal
Allow Dermabond to slough off naturally over 5–10 days rather than attempting manual removal, as the adhesive is designed to spontaneously separate as the underlying epithelium regenerates. 1
Natural Separation Process
The adhesive will peel away on its own within 5–10 days as normal skin turnover occurs beneath the polymerized film. 1
Do not pick, peel, or mechanically manipulate the adhesive, as this causes unnecessary trauma to the healing wound edges and increases the risk of dehiscence. 2
Patients may shower normally once the adhesive has fully polymerized (approximately 2.5 minutes after application), as octyl-cyanoacrylate forms a water-resistant barrier. 1
When Active Removal Is Necessary
If removal is required before natural sloughing (e.g., due to misapplication, patient discomfort, or need to inspect the wound):
Apply petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment liberally over the adhesive and allow it to sit for 30–60 minutes to soften the bond. 1
Gently massage the softened adhesive with a gauze pad to encourage separation without forceful traction on the skin. 1
Acetone or nail polish remover may dissolve the adhesive, but these solvents are highly irritating to intact skin and should be avoided on open wounds or mucous membranes. 1
Never use sharp instruments, cotton swabs with sweeping motions, or aggressive mechanical debridement, as these methods cause corneal or epithelial defects if applied near sensitive tissues. 2
Special Circumstance: Accidental Eye Exposure
Irrigate immediately with copious sterile saline to flush any unpolymerized adhesive before it bonds to ocular structures. 2
Do not attempt mechanical removal from the eye—allow spontaneous separation over 6 weeks or longer while maintaining lubrication with preservative-free artificial tears every 2 hours. 2
Obtain urgent ophthalmology consultation for fluorescein staining to assess corneal integrity and initiate prophylactic topical fluoroquinolone (moxifloxacin or levofloxacin four times daily) if epithelial defects are present. 2
Apply a bandage contact lens (thin, high water content, high oxygen permeability) to protect the cornea and provide comfort if corneal epithelial defects are documented. 2
Common Pitfalls
Avoid blind sweeping of tissue with cotton swabs or glass rods, which causes additional mechanical damage to already compromised epithelium. 2
Do not apply topical corticosteroids as first-line therapy without ruling out corneal infection, as steroids mask signs of infectious keratitis and worsen outcomes in the presence of epithelial defects. 2
Patients often expect immediate removal like sutures—counsel them that Dermabond is designed to fall off naturally and that premature removal risks wound dehiscence. 1