Skin adhesives (liquid stitches)
Skin adhesives are clear gels that may be used to hold the edges of a small cut together. Your health professional may apply a skin adhesive instead of stitching your cut. A liquid will be applied to your skin and allowed to dry. As it dries, it creates a film that will hold together the edges of your cut.
If a skin adhesive is used, be sure to follow your health professional's instructions on how to care for your cut. In general, to care for your cut:
- Leave the skin adhesive on your skin until it falls off—usually 5 to 10 days after it was applied.
- Do not scratch or pick at the adhesive. This may cause the adhesive to fall off too soon.
- Follow your health professional's instruction on keeping the wound and skin adhesive dry. You can shower with a skin adhesive in place. Be sure to gently dry the area after you shower. Avoid soaking your wound in water, such as tub bathing, washing dishes, or swimming.
- If your health professional has applied a bandage over the wound, keep it clean and dry. Follow your health professional's instruction on changing the bandage.
- Do not put ointments, including antibiotic ointment, over the adhesive. This can cause the adhesive to loosen or come off too soon.
- Keep the adhesive out of direct sunlight, and do not use tanning booths.
- Watch for signs of infection. If signs of an infection develop, call your health professional.
| Author: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC | Last Updated: June 30, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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