Dermal Closure Glue: Uses, Benefits, Procedure and Precautions

Dermal Closure Glue is a painless method for closing cuts, wounds, or incisions. It is used for small, clean wounds where the skin edges can be easily brought together. It is also known as medical skin adhesive or tissue adhesive. It forms a flexible, strong, and water-resistant barrier over the wound edges and naturally peels off in 5-10 days.

How does Dermal Closure Glue Work?

It works through rapid chemical polymerization. As soon as the liquid touches the moisture on the skin it polymerizes and forms a strong and flexible film while healing the wound underneath. However, the wound is first cleaned and dried, and then the glue is applied. When the glue is applied to the skin, it does not close the underlying layers. So first the underlying layers have to be closed: the muscle layer, the fat layer, the subdermal layer, and then the glue has to be applied.

When is Dermal Closure Glue Used?

It is suitable for clean, small, and superficial wounds with straight edges, which can be closed by fingers or forceps. It is generally used for -

Minor cuts

When the lacerations are straight and non-jagged, with minimal bleeding.

Low-tension wounds

Areas where the skin is taut and doesn't pull or stretch easily, such as the forehead, torso, or face.

Surgical incisions

It is used to close certain surgical wounds after a procedure.

When Should Dermal Closure Glue Not Be Used?

High tension areas

It should not be used across hands, feet, or joints.

High moisture zones

It should be avoided in armpits, groin, or inside the mouth.

Complex or Dirty wounds

include animal bites, crush injuries, puncture wounds, heavily infected or contaminated sites.

What are the benefits of Dermal Closure Glue?

Dermal Closure Glue is a fast, painless, and water-resistant alternative to traditional sutures. The key benefits include -

Swift Application

It closes the wounds faster than traditional methods.

Comfortable

It does not require needles for application.

Effortless removal

The adhesive wears away naturally as the wound heals.

Bacterial Block

It acts as a microbial and physical shield against dust and germs

Can Dermal Closure Glue be Self-Applied?

Even though Dermal Closure Glue seems like an effortless process, it is not recommended to apply it on your own. This is because it is designed for specific wounds - clean and simple cuts with straight edges - that can be glued easily.

Why should self-application be avoided?

The wound needs to be properly cleaned and examined.
Glue should not go inside the wound.
The wound should not be dirty, actively bleeding, infected, wet, or complex.
If it accidentally reaches the eye, it can glue the eyelids. This might require urgent medical intervention.
It may cause discomfort or tissue injury if applied incorrectly.

Conclusion

Dermal Closure Glue is a simple and straightforward for suitable wounds The caveat, however, is that the wounds must be clean and straight-edged. In case the wound area has loose skin or if it is wet, the glue cannot be applied. Hence, it is recommended to seek professional advice and avoid self-application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Dermal Closure Glue better than stitches?

Stitches are not always better than Dermal Closure Glue. DermalClosure Glue is a fast and pain-free process. However, it is used where the wound is not bleeding, is clean, and has straight edges. Stitches or sutures are useful where the wound has zig-zagged edges, requires stronger support, is located deep, and is under high tension.