Can You Use Super Glue to Heal Cuts and Scrapes?

Super glues (cyanoacrylates) can be used to heal cuts and scrapes that are small, not too deep, and not jagged or infected. Medically approved versions of super glue, like Dermabond, create a waterproof and antimicrobial seal on the skin that stays in place until the wound heals. They can even be used in the mouth.

Unlike medical-grade cyanoacrylates, craft glues (i.e., Elmer's glue) are not waterproof. They may be non-toxic and stop bleeding, but they can also irritate your skin with prolonged use. Certain glues, like rubber cement, should never be used on the skin.

This article takes a closer look at how to use super glue for minor cuts and scrapes. It covers why they work, when not to use them, and which types to use.

What Super Glue Is Safe for Skin?

In 1998, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a medical adhesive formulation named Dermabond (2-octyl cyanoacrylate). It is non-toxic, flexible, and can hold wound edges together for up to 10 days.

Clean cuts, such as paper cuts, knife cuts, and other minor cuts, are good options for using medically approved forms of cyanoacrylates, such as Dermabond, SurgiSeal, and Band-Aid Liquid Bandage. You can purchase these online or over-the-counter in drug stores.

Unlike regular, household glue, medical-grade adhesives undergo rigorous FDA testing to ensure they will not injure living tissues or cause harmful skin reactions. Medical-grade glues are more durable, waterproof, and flexible than regular glue. They contain antimicrobial properties to fight infection, and are far less-likely to cause irritation with prolonged use.

Some types of glue should never be used on the skin, such as:

• Latex glue
• Glitter glue
• Hot glue
• Construction adhesives, such as those used to bond wood
• Rubber cement or contact cement
• Epoxy resin

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Advantages of Glue

Advantages of medical glue for cuts and scrapes include:

• Dries fast
• Simple and painless application
• Protects wounds from air and dirt
• Contains anti-microbial properties to prevent infection
• Helps small skin cracks or cuts heal
• Stops bleeding quickly
• Protects the skin from scarring
• Will not wash off under water
• Can stay in place for up to 10 days
• Falls off on its own

There are also some disadvantages to using medical glue. They can be:

• Toxic to skin tissues
• Not always strong enough
• Difficult to reposition after the initial application
• Unstable when there is blood

When to Use Glue on Cuts

There are certain instances in which it is beneficial to use glue on cuts. If you have a small, clean cut that is not deep, jagged, or infected, using a medical-grade glue meant for cuts and scrapes is a fine option.

Before you use glue on a cut, make sure that the edges of the cut are close enough that they can easily be pulled together. The cut should be cleaned of any dirt or particles and dried thoroughly before it is sealed.

When Not to Use Glue

Regular Super Glue has side effects that are not desirable for those using it for medical reasons. Not only does it irritate the eyes, throat, nose, and lungs, but it also damages the tissue surrounding a cut.

To avoid these side effects, use a medical-grade super glue meant specifically for minor cuts and scrapes.

Even the medical formulations should never be used on deep wounds. Deep wounds must be cleaned, disinfected, and bandaged to stave off infection and ensure bleeding is stopped and the skin heals evenly.

These adhesives should not be used on:

• Jagged wounds
• Bites
• Punctures
• Joints
• Hands and feet
• Armpits
• Perineum
• Mucosal surfaces
• Contaminated wounds

How to Use It

Before you seal a cut with glue, it's important to wash your hands, then clean the cut thoroughly with soap and water. Make sure there is no dirt or particles left in the cut's opening.

Carefully pat the cut dry with a clean cloth or napkin. Then, inspect it carefully to ensure it is fit for being glued:

• Loot at the edges of the cut to ensure there is no jagged skin.
• Ensure that the cut is shallow and narrow; you should be able to close the edges without tension or tearing.
• Check that the wound has either stopped bleeding or is close to stopping.

If the cut does not pass your inspection, consider calling your doctor or visiting the nearest hospital for help.

If the cut does pass your inspection, move on to the next steps:

• Hold the edges of the cut together with gauze pads or clean fingers.
• Squeeze the edges of the cut together.
• Apply glue along the length of the cut's surface and 1 to 2 centimeters from each side.
• Hold the edges of the cut together for about one minute until the glue dries.
• Apply three to four layers of glue, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.
• Avoid picking at the glue or scab.

If you have a bandage available, place it over the cut for extra protection. Leave the glue on your skin until it falls off on its own. This usually takes about five to 10 days.

If your cut is not healed within 10 days or shows signs of infection, contact your healthcare provider .

A Word From Verywell

Medical-grade wound adhesives are a great alternative to sutures for the appropriate type of cut and may yield a better result than other glues. If it doesn't fall off on its own after 10 days, antibiotic ointment can be applied. If you are unsure if the cut is appropriate for medical glue, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.

— JANE KIM, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD

Summary

Medical-grade skin glue is a safe and effective adhesive for small, uncomplicated cuts. However, do not apply skin glue to cuts that are jagged, infected, deep, or bleeding profusely. Craft glues, such as Elmer's glue, are a fine, temporary solution for select cuts, but they may irritate the skin with prolonged use. Apply glue carefully to clean, dry cuts, and avoid picking at it or the scab. Allow it to fall off on its own—usually within 10 days.