Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What wounds are suitable for closure with tissue adhesives?
Lacerations on the face, torso and extremities that are not greater than 6-10 cm in length. SkinStitch® is especially effective in areas where scarring from conventional sutures is a concern. It should not be used on wounds located near a joint or injuries with jagged edges (i.e. those that cannot be easily approximated), animal bites, or dense hair growth regions.

Can I ever use SkinStitch® on a joint?
Yes, if you immobilize the joint with a splint, or tongue depressor.

May I use SkinStitch® on wounds that are longer than 10 cms?
Your health care professional may make that determination. Doctors with more experience may choose to utilize a skin adhesive on wounds longer than 10 cm. Consideration must be given to variables such as depth and location of the wound. Thus, shallow wounds and lacerations not near stress areas will likely benefit from closure with a skin adhesive alone.

May I use skin adhesives on wounds deeper than ½ cm?
No, but deeper wounds may be closed with SkinStitch® if subcutaneous sutures are used to close the wound first. This will achieve the needed strength to keep the wound closed while healing, but finishing the skin surface with SkinStitch® adhesive will reduce scarring.

What are the most essential elements to remember when using a skin adhesive?
Sanitize the wound according to standard protocol. Approximate edges when wound is dry. Apply a thin layer of skin adhesive beside the wound. Pull the adhesive over the wound with the applicator, as if building a bridge over the wound. Never put the adhesive in the wound. Hold for 30 seconds; apply a second coat (see video for demonstration).

Why should I put on thin layers instead of one thicker coat?
For optimum strength/performance place 2 to 3 thin layers of SkinStitch® for a stronger finished product. A thick coat may give a slight burning sensation to the patient. A thick coat will cause the adhesive bond to break down earlier.

If I make an error and glue myself to the patient, what should I do?
Acetone (finger nail polisher) is the fastest bond breaker. This should only be used on non-sensitive parts of the body. On sensitive parts, use an anti-bacterial cream.

What procedure should I use when I want to apply a skin adhesive near the eye?
SkinStitch® is especially valuable in treating wounds near the eyes, but there are a few added safeguards to consider. Place the patient in a horizontal position. Have an assistant hold gauze between the eye and wound as a dam. If you do not have an assistant, use a ridge of petroleum jelly between the wound and eye. This will make it impossible for the skin adhesive to travel, or follow a crease line into the eye. Do not put petroleum jelly on any of the area next to the wound being treated, as this will prevent adhesion.

If there is an accident and the physician glues the patient's eyelids shut what should he/she do?
An opthamologically approved antibacterial cream will loosen the bond when gently massaged on the eyelid.

What makes SkinStitch® harden when applied to the skin?
All skin adhesives in the cyanoacrylate family harden on contact with moisture. In its plastic applicator, the compound is in monomeric form, when it comes into contact with anions, especially hydroxyl ions (in the presence of water) it polymerizes.

Is Skinstich the same as Crazy Glue or Super Glue?
No, Crazy Glue or Super Glue are either ethyl, or methyl cyanoacrylates. These are more toxic, are not a sterile product approved for medical use and will burn when applied to human skin.

What is the most common physician error when applying skin adhesives?
There are two errors that are seen over and over again. 1) The adhesive is placed in the wound, instead of beside it. 2) The adhesive is applied too thickly which may cause a slight burning sensation and weakens the bond.

What is the shelf life of SkinStitch®?
The shelf life of SkinStitch® is guaranteed for two years from the date of invoice. Of course, proper storage conditions ensure shelf life. The ideal storage temperature is 72 degrees F., or lower.

Does SkinStitch® have to be refrigerated?
No, room temperature is fine. However, customers in the southern USA or other extremely warm climates should remember that interior temperatures may rise to levels that can reduce the shelf life of the product.

Do you have question not answered here?

If your question is not answered here, please do not hesitate to contact a SkinStitch® Customer Service Representative by telephone, fax or by simply filling out the form on our Contact page. We would be happy to answer any questions you might have regarding our product and its use.