Super Glue for Cuts?

Josh K

Josh K

Joined
Sep 29, 2008
Messages
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I've been experimenting with using Super Glue (specifically, Gorilla Super Glue) for random cuts and scrapes recently. It's worked out pretty well so far. The one "stitch worthy" cut I had has healed with almost no pain, and no scar. (I laid the top of my thumb open).

I know there have been stories about others doing this. I'm curious to know how many people actually do?
 
You can actually buy the stuff that's for cuts at the drug store. I have a bottle of it in my backpack:thumbup:
 
I dont do it, but lots do with good results. The stuff HD has(liquid stitches?) is good, be carefull bout internal ingestion of regular superglue if the cut is too deep, IE an arterial lac etc....
 
Also if its a big lac, it might trap infection, so be sure the wound is REALLY clean first. Medically, I have to advise against it, but you know...;)

Just be sure to examine the wound well first, and clean it as good as possible, then clean it again, if you are gonna go this route.:thumbup:
 
Sugar also works well for wound cloting. I dont do that either, but I have seen it done many times.
 
j williams said:
Sugar also works well for wound cloting. I dont do that either, but I have seen it done many times.
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I understand the artery concern, and the need for cleanliness. Good advice there. :thumbup:

Sugar for clotting? Never heard of that. I'll have to try that (hopefully not in the near future.)

I prefer the Gorilla glue to Krazy or anything else because it creates a more flexible bond over the wound.
 
Yeah, alot of old timers use that method. I have seen it, and it works. kinda cool.
 
I have heard that people use it and it works, but I wouldn't personally recommend it. Deep lacs need to be thoroughly cleaned/irrigated to prevent infection. Never good to close a wound unless you are certain it's clean. That goes for smaller cuts too. Dermabond is what they use in the ER. I would think that is a better bet. It's made specifically for the purpose. As far as bleeding goes, Quickclot from Areomedix is supposed to be very effective. It works by drawing the water from your blood and leaving the coagulants (platelets and such) behind. I would use this instead of sugar. Just my $0.02. -DT
 
I would too, I wasnt advocating it as much as I was saying that Ive heard of it, and seen it.....

Of course standard medical procedures are the best bet. Quickclot is awesome stuff. Me, well I would leave it open to monitor cleanliness, and infection, and controll bleeding through direct pressure. Seeking medical attention when available, and if neccisary. However, lots of folksfor lots of years have been patching themselves up with these types of remidies with good results.
 
dttomcat said:
I have heard that people use it and it works, but I wouldn't personally recommend it. Deep lacs need to be thoroughly cleaned/irrigated to prevent infection. Never good to close a wound unless you are certain it's clean. That goes for smaller cuts too. Dermabond is what they use in the ER. I would think that is a better bet. It's made specifically for the purpose. As far as bleeding goes, Quickclot from Areomedix is supposed to be very effective. It works by drawing the water from your blood and leaving the coagulants (platelets and such) behind. I would use this instead of sugar. Just my $0.02. -DT
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Point me to where I can get a 15g bottle of Dermabond for ~$5 and I'm on it. :D

Lacerations of any sort need to be cleaned properly, and glue has it's limits. Deep slices to thigh/torso region may need internal sutures that you can't glue.

However, closing a possibly life threatening wound with the possibility of later infection, is better then bleeding to death. Nothing better then prompt medical care, you just have to get there.
 
Its gotta be better then the guy I ran on who filled up his chin Lac with little balls of toilet paper!! OMG, that was fun for the ER to clean out!!!:D:D
 
Josh K said:
http://www.dermabond.com/ I knew about it, but I'm not sure where I could get some.
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Not sure where you can get this either. BTW, my brother-in-law used superglue on his forehead when he got hit by a falling board. Worked for him. Leaving a wound open for a time is ok but you only have a few hours. You have a relatively small window to get sutured (maybe four or five hours). I do not know why this is. Anybody?
 
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Also, the glue or Dermabond is better for use in certain areas like the head for example. In areas where the skin gets stretched frequently like hands it is not as effective. Your lac can break open again easily.
 
dttomcat said:
Not sure where you can get this either. BTW, my brother-in-law used superglue on his forehead when he got hit by a falling board. Worked for him. Leaving a wound open for a time is ok but you only have a few hours. You have a relatively small window to get sutured (maybe for or five hours). I do not know why this is. Anybody?
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There is a small (2-4 hrs) window of time to get it taken care of. Past that (I understand) the wound will start healing on the edges, and suture won't help.

Kinda like slicing off a piece of fresh bread. If you don't cover it back up, the freshly cut end will start to go stale and hard.
 
dttomcat said:
Also, the glue or Dermabond is better for use in certain areas like the head for example. In areas where the skin gets stretched frequently like hands it is not as effective. Your lac can break open again easily.
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Like I said, the gorilla formula is a bit more flexible, and I've had no problems on my hands with it. :)
 
It has do do with wound contamination, I believe it is a 6 hour window before the wound is likely to be too contanimated to suture. There are other factors im sure, such as healing of the wound, but this is the one I hear most often.
 
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