What is a
topical skin adhesive?
A topical skin adhesive is a sterile, liquid
skin glue that holds the edges of a wound together. The
adhesive film usually stays in place for 5 to 10 days, then
naturally falls off the skin. This type of adhesive cannot
be used on all cuts. It works best on small cuts that are
not deep, jagged, or bleeding and not under a lot of tension
or pressure. (An example of a cut with tension would be a
cut on a joint, such as a knuckle.)
How can I
take care of my child?
Check how the wound
looks.
- Some swelling, redness, and pain is
common with all wounds and normally will go away as the
wound heals. If swelling, redness, or pain increase or
if the wound feels warm to touch, call your health care
provider.
- If the wound seems to be opening up or
you notice any drainage, call your health care provider.
Do not put any medicine on the wound.
- Do not put liquid or any ointment
medicine or any other product on the wound while the
adhesive is in place. They may loosen the film before
the wound is healed.
Keep the wound dry.
- Keep the wound dry for the first 4
hours after the skin adhesive is put on.
- After the first 4 hours, you may
occasionally and briefly wet the wound in the shower or
bath. After showering or bathing, gently pat the wound
dry with a soft towel. If the wound was bandaged, put on
a clean, dry bandage after the bath.
- Do not soak or scrub the wound or let
your child go swimming. Try to keep your child from
doing any activities that will make him sweat a lot
until the adhesive has naturally fallen off.
- If a bandage is on the wound, keep it
dry. Put on a new bandage if the old one gets wet.
Protect the wound.
- If a bandage is on the wound, replace
the bandage every day until the adhesive film has fallen
off, unless your health care provider gives you
different instructions about bandages.
- Protect the wound from repeat injury
until the skin has had time to heal.
- Do not scratch, rub, or pick at the
adhesive film. This may loosen the film before the wound
is healed. Some young children may pick at the film. If
needed, put a clean, dry bandage over the wound to keep
your child from picking off the film.
- Do not place tape directly over the
adhesive film because removing the tape may also remove
the film.
- Protect the wound from prolonged
exposure to sunlight or tanning lamps while the film is
in place.
If you have any questions or concerns about this product,
call your health care provider.
