Skin glue, also known as a tissue adhesive or liquid bandage, is a medical-grade substance used to close small, simple cuts without the need for traditional stitches. This fast-acting adhesive is typically made from cyanoacrylate monomers, which solidify rapidly when they come into contact with the moisture on the skin or in the wound. The resulting bond holds the edges of the skin together, creating a protective, waterproof seal that supports the body’s natural healing process. This method of wound closure is commonly favored for minor lacerations because it is generally painless upon application and eliminates the need for a follow-up visit to remove sutures.
Consumer Skin Glue Accessibility and Brands
You can find consumer-grade skin glue products at several common retail locations, making them readily available for your home first-aid kit. Major pharmacies, large retail stores with a health and wellness section, and online medical supply retailers are the most common places to purchase these products. The products you will find over-the-counter (OTC) are typically formulated for minor wound care and are distinct from the professional-grade adhesives used in emergency rooms.
Commonly available OTC products are often marketed as “liquid bandages,” such as New-Skin or Band-Aid Liquid Bandage, which seal smaller scrapes and cuts. Some brands, like Liquid Skin, are specifically marketed as wound closure adhesives for minor cuts. These consumer products differ chemically from the professional versions, which are typically made of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and offer greater flexibility and strength for deeper wounds. The OTC versions are formulated to be safe and effective for superficial lacerations that are not under significant tension.
Medical-grade adhesives undergo rigorous testing for biocompatibility, ensuring they will not cause harmful tissue reactions. While the core chemistry is similar to household super glues, the medical versions are purified and contain plasticizers that allow the adhesive to flex with your skin. When seeking a product, look for packaging that clearly states it is a liquid bandage or skin adhesive intended for minor wound closure.
Proper Application Techniques for Minor Wounds
Using consumer skin glue effectively requires careful preparation of the wound to ensure a strong seal and proper healing. The first step is thoroughly cleaning the cut with mild soap and water to remove any dirt or debris, then patting the area completely dry with sterile gauze. It is important that the wound is no longer actively bleeding, as the adhesive will not bond properly to wet surfaces.
Once the area is clean and dry, you must gently press the two edges of the cut together so they meet exactly. While maintaining this approximation, apply a thin, uniform layer of the adhesive directly over the closed wound, covering the entire length and extending slightly onto the surrounding healthy skin. You should never allow the liquid adhesive to drip or flow into the wound itself, as this can interfere with healing and trap bacteria.
After application, continue to hold the wound edges together for approximately 30 to 60 seconds to allow the cyanoacrylate to begin polymerizing and forming a bond. Many instructions recommend applying a second or third thin coat, allowing each layer to dry for about 30 seconds before applying the next, which increases the adhesive’s strength. The cured glue will form a protective layer that is naturally sloughed off by the skin in five to ten days as the cut heals underneath.
Knowing When Not to Use Skin Glue
Skin glue is only appropriate for clean, straight, and shallow cuts that are less than about two centimeters long. You should seek professional medical attention immediately if the wound is actively bleeding profusely, is a deep puncture wound, or has jagged, irregular, or gaping edges that cannot be easily brought together.
The adhesive should not be used on certain wound types or locations. Avoid applying skin glue to:
- Animal or human bites.
- Wounds showing signs of infection (increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or pus).
- Wounds contaminated with dirt or foreign objects.
- Areas of high moisture (armpit or groin) or areas that move constantly, like joints. Constant movement or moisture will cause the adhesive to peel off prematurely.
The strength of topical skin adhesives is significantly less than that of sutures, so applying it to a wound under high tension will likely result in the cut reopening. If you are unsure about the depth or severity of a cut, or if the wound is on the face or near the eye, consult a healthcare professional. Using the wrong product or applying it incorrectly can delay necessary treatment and negatively impact the final cosmetic result.