Skin glue, also known as surgical or tissue adhesive, is a sterile, liquid formulation used as an alternative to traditional sutures or staples for closing minor wounds and surgical incisions. This medical-grade material is primarily composed of cyanoacrylate, a substance that quickly hardens upon contact with the moisture on the skin’s surface. Its function is to hold the edges of a clean, easily approximated wound together, creating a temporary, protective seal against the external environment. This film secures the closure and supports the natural healing process.
Appearance Immediately After Application
Immediately after application, skin glue presents as a thin, uniform film covering the wound and extending slightly onto the surrounding healthy skin. The liquid adhesive is often tinted with a violet, blue, or purple dye when first applied, allowing the clinician to see placement. This initial color tends to fade quickly, and the glue dries to a clear, slightly amber, or dark brown color, especially if a small amount of blood is present underneath.
The texture of the dried adhesive is smooth, shiny, and hard, resembling a thin, plastic-like shell over the incision site. It should look like a neat, continuous seal holding the skin edges together, rather than a large or messy lump. The material acts like a flexible, protective scab, providing a water-resistant barrier for the initial healing period.
Care and Maintenance of the Glued Site
To ensure successful wound healing, specific care instructions must be followed to maintain the integrity of the adhesive film. While the glue is water-resistant, avoid soaking the wound in water; baths, swimming, and hot tubs should be avoided while the glue remains in place. When showering, allow water to run gently over the site, and pat the area completely dry with a soft towel immediately afterward, without rubbing.
Avoid applying any creams, lotions, ointments, or petroleum-based products directly over the glue. These substances can soften the adhesive and cause it to dissolve prematurely, risking the separation of the wound edges. Furthermore, rubbing, scrubbing, or picking at the adhesive must be avoided, as friction and trauma can lift the seal and compromise the wound closure.
The Process of Flaking and Removal
The skin glue is designed to stay in place until the underlying wound has achieved sufficient strength, after which it will naturally begin to degrade and fall off. This process typically begins around 5 to 10 days after application, correlating with the skin’s natural process of shedding its outer layer. As the glue begins to detach, its appearance changes from a smooth, shiny film to a duller, rougher, or cracked texture, often lifting and peeling around the edges.
The adhesive will gradually slough off in small pieces, sometimes taking up to two or three weeks for complete removal. Resist the urge to peel or pick at the loose edges of the glue, which could prematurely expose the healing wound beneath. If small pieces remain stuck after two weeks, gentle massage with mineral oil or petroleum jelly may help loosen the residual film, but only if a clinician confirms the wound is fully healed.