Patient Discharge Instructions
How to care for your wound after it’s treated with Dermabond topical skin adhesive
Dermabond Topical Skin Adhesive (2-octyl cyanoacrylate) is a sterile, liquid skin adhesive that holds wound edges together. The film will usually remain in place for 5-10 days, then naturally sloughs (falls) off your skin.
The following will answer some of your questions and provide instructions for proper care for your wound while it is healing:
Check wound appearance. 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, contact a doctor. If the wound edges reopen or separate, contact a doctor.
Bandaging. If bandaged, keep the bandage dry.
Replace the dressing daily until the adhesive film has fallen off or if it should become wet unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
Do not scratch, rub, or pick at the Dermabond adhesive film. This may loosen the film before your wound is healed.
Do not place tape directly over the Dermabond 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.
Topical Medications. Do not apply liquid or ointment medications or any other product to your wound while the Dermabond adhesive film is in place. This may loosen the film before your wound is healed.
Keep wound dry and protected. Protect your wound from repeat injury until the skin has had sufficient time to heal.
You may occasionally and briefly wet your wound in the shower or bath. Do not soak or scrub your wound or swim, and avoid periods of heavy perspiration until the Dermabond adhesive has naturally fallen off. After showering or bathing, gently blot your wound dry with a soft towel. If a protective dressing is being used, apply a fresh, dry bandage, keeping tape off the Dermabond adhesive film.
Apply a clean, dry bandage over the wound if necessary to protect the wound.
If you have any questions or concerns about this product, please consult your doctor.
Source: Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, NJ
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