Super glue for Cuts

Super glue has a long history of being used for wound closure. It was used beginning in 1966 in Vietnam as part of field dressing. It reacts to surface moisture and a spray version was used to stop bleeding in the field.

There are a few types of cyanoacrylate(super glue). The types that are purchased in a store for mending things are usually either a methyl cyanoacrylate or an ethyl cyanoacrylate. They are not terribly toxic but were not approved in the USA for wound closure.

Medical grade cyanoacrylate is a butyl cyanoacrylate.

I have heard numerous stories of people using these glues - all types of super glue, including Mister Glue for split heels and fingers and small cuts. These glues are classified as 'irritants' not as poisons so although one should be using a medical grade product, used on calloused skin where absorbtion is minimal, damage would also be minimal.

If using any of these types of glues in this way make sure that the cut or split skin is cleaned well so that you are not trappiing in bacteria. Do not use hydrogen peroxide as it is too powerful and kills good skin as well. Use a honey or calendula based cream or something similar. Dry the area, squeeze the two edges together and run a very thin bead along the line of the cut. Continue to hold the edges together until is sets. You may need a third hand for this. The glue will slough off in a couple of days. By that time the two edges should be joined together naturally.

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