Can Glue Seal Wounds?

Question:

Buck, I have heard that the bonding agents like Super Glue or Krazy Glue can be used to seal wounds in the backcountry, But I also understand that they could cause the patient problems. Is this true, and what’s the risk vs. benefit?

Submitted by – Al J., Galloway, NJ

Answer:

Super Glue and its relatives are not made from the same formula as medical grade skin glue—but they work.

I glued shut two deep cracks in climbers’ heels on Denali last year.

Remember to clean the wound well first. Then hold it shut, apply a layer of glue to the closed wound, and hold it until the glue dries. It usually takes five to six applications to get good closure. Don’t let the glue get into the wound—that’s where a problem could arise.

And remember NOT to glue shut really deep wounds, the kind that should be closed with sutures by a doc.—BUCK