Medical super glue, scientifically known as topical skin adhesive, offers a convenient method for closing minor cuts without traditional stitches. This specialized product uses a form of cyanoacrylate to quickly bond the edges of a clean wound, creating a barrier against water and microbes. Understanding how this adhesive differs from common household glue and knowing the appropriate circumstances for its use are paramount to safe wound care. This guide clarifies the composition of approved products and details where consumers can safely purchase them for first-aid kits.
Understanding Medical Adhesives
The term “medical super glue” refers to a specific class of cyanoacrylate derivatives formulated for human skin contact, which is distinct from the household product you might use for crafts or repairs. Household super glues typically contain shorter-chain molecules like ethyl cyanoacrylate, which release irritants and generate significant heat during the hardening process, potentially causing chemical burns or tissue damage on a wound. These industrial-grade versions are not sterile and should never be used on the body due to their toxicity to living tissues.
Medical-grade adhesives, by contrast, utilize longer-chain molecules, primarily octyl-cyanoacrylate or butyl-cyanoacrylate, engineered for greater flexibility and reduced toxicity. This longer structure ensures a slower, less exothermic reaction upon contact with skin moisture, leading to less tissue irritation. Medical formulations often include plasticizers to create a flexible, durable bond that moves with the skin, which is necessary for wound closure.
Where to Purchase Approved Products
Consumers looking to purchase safe, approved medical adhesives have several reliable avenues for sourcing these products. The most common and accessible option is through retail pharmacies and drug stores, where they are typically sold over-the-counter (OTC) as “liquid bandages” or “topical skin closure systems.” These consumer products often contain the medical-grade octyl-cyanoacrylate and are specifically marketed for treating small, superficial cuts and abrasions. When selecting an OTC product, look for clear labeling that indicates it is intended for “skin closure” and is cleared for use on wounds.
For more professional-grade formulations, online retailers and specialized medical supply websites offer a wider selection of topical skin adhesives. These brands are often used in clinical settings and may contain a higher viscosity or larger volume of adhesive. While generally available to the public, stronger, more concentrated adhesives are usually reserved for hospitals or physician offices. It is important to verify that any product purchased, whether OTC or online, explicitly states its FDA approval or clearance for use as a skin adhesive.
Safe Application and When Not to Use It
The proper use of topical skin adhesive is limited to very specific types of wounds to ensure effective healing and prevent complications. The wound must first be thoroughly cleaned and dried, and the edges must be held closely together, or “approximated,” before the adhesive is applied. The adhesive should be applied only to the surface of the skin to bridge the gap, forming a thin, external layer, and must not be allowed to seep deep into the cut itself.
It is equally important to know when this method of wound closure is inappropriate, as misuse can lead to serious issues. Medical super glue should only be used on minor, clean, and superficial cuts that are not actively or heavily bleeding. The adhesive is not suitable for deep lacerations, puncture wounds, or wounds with jagged, irregular edges that cannot be easily brought together. Never use the adhesive on wounds caused by animal or human bites, infected cuts, or wounds situated over joints or areas of high skin tension, as these require professional medical attention.