Superglue on Skin Lacerations: Why It's Unsafe and What to Use Instead

Do Not Use Superglue (Cyanoacrylate) on Wounds

Commercial superglue is not sterile, not formulated for tissue, and can cause serious complications:

• Infection: Seals in bacteria; no antimicrobial properties.
• Tissue toxicity: Cyanoacrylate monomers cause inflammation, necrosis.
• Allergic reactions: Contact dermatitis, anaphylaxis (rare).
• Foreign body reaction: Polymer fragments incite granulomas.
• Impaired healing: Prevents drainage, traps exudate.
• Difficult removal: Requires acetone (tissue-damaging) or surgical excision.

Medical-Grade Tissue Adhesives (Dermabond, Histoacryl, SurgiSeal)

• Sterile, purified 2-octyl/ n-butyl cyanoacrylate.
• FDA-cleared for laceration closure.
• Flexible, bacteriostatic, sloughs off as wound heals (5–10 days).
• Applied by trained clinicians to low-tension, clean, linear wounds.

Proper Wound Care

1. Control bleeding with direct pressure.
2. Irrigate with saline.
3. Seek medical evaluation for: deep, gaping, >½ inch, on face/joints, dirty, or bitten wounds.
4. Tetanus booster if >5 years (dirty) or >10 years (clean).