DEAR DR. GOTT: I have heard that surgeons are using Super Glue to close wounds in the operating room. Is this true? If it is, could I use it to close painful cracks in my heels and hands?
DEAR READER: This is a common practice that has been used for a number of years; however, the product is not Super Glue. DermaBond contains a variety of components found in Super Glue and is approved for medical use. This clear epoxy resin sets in about three minutes and lasts up to 10 days. It cannot take the place of sutures or staples in all cases and its uses are relatively restricted. Complicated closures still require traditional stitches. DermaBond is noninvasive, painless, will not leave a scar, minimizes the risk of infection, and doesn’t require a follow-up visit to a doctor for suture removal. I think sometimes we are in something resembling a time warp, because surgeons now use surgical paste, sealants made from human blood proteins and fibrin bandages. Aren’t research and necessity phenomenal?
Home-use tissue-adhesive products are available but should only be used on small lacerations once all contamination has been removed from a wound to prevent infection. I urge anyone with an open wound to consult a physician before taking matters (or glues) into their own hands.
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