* Can Glue Seal Wounds *

> Can Glue Seal Wounds?

Q.} 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

A.} 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.

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huh... good to know! Thanks for the post!

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Interesting..I use a product called"New Skin" on the cuts on my hands and it works great.
I've heard of athletes using glue though on their cuts seems to work great.

Ya it's kind of crazy sounding but hey, if thats all you have to work with, its nice to know Cool

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I'd say superglue is a poor choice for backcountry wound closure.

First off, in wilderness first aid, you don't want to close most wounds. You only want to close the ones that need to be closed, because they'll keep reopening themselves if you don't.

Superglue doesn't just seal things out, it seals things in. If you're dealing with something like a knife cut, it will seal the cut closed, but if the cut becomes infected you will have no way to treat it. Close a wound with closure strips or butterfly sutures, and you can undo what you've done if it gets infected. If you need to drain an infected wound that you sealed up with Krazy Glue, you're opening it with a knife.

I would assume most people would clean the wound first before applying a glue to keep any extra dirt etc, out.

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Carry Less by Knowing More
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I prefer to carry butterfly closures. But it's not a bad idea to carry glue to repair your gear. And if you find yourself in a situation where only glue is available for a cut, it's good to know how to use it.

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Ya, thats pretty much what it means, its just letting you know you " can " use it if you have nothing else.
I know lots of people who have super glue etc to fix gear out in the woods for 5 + days.
I know a guy who used duct tape to hold a wound closed while he hiked out.
Its all about improvising with what ya got. Cool

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Last edited by Drummer Dave on Mon Jun 22, 2009 8:17 am; edited 1 time in total

I've heard this before, but I've never done it. You can also use it to pull out splinters!

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	Drummer Dave wrote:
	I would assume most people would clean the wound first before applying a glue to keep any extra dirt etc, out.

Yes, obviously, but you still face the possibility of infection. Especially if you're outdoors, grubby, etc.

I don't know if the current first aid thinking has changed, but I was always taught that most of the time you shouldn't close a wound in a wilderness first aid setting. And I think that a wound small enough to close with superglue probably doesn't need closing.

Just my opinion, but I think that superglue to close wounds is one of the more ill-considered bits of survival lore.

Andrew_S wrote:

	Drummer Dave wrote:
	I would assume most people would clean the wound first before applying a glue to keep any extra dirt etc, out.

Yes, obviously, but you still face the possibility of infection. Especially if you're outdoors, grubby, etc.

I don't know if the current first aid thinking has changed, but I was always taught that most of the time you shouldn't close a wound in a wilderness first aid setting. And I think that a wound small enough to close with superglue probably doesn't need closing.

Just my opinion, but I think that superglue to close wounds is one of the more ill-considered bits of survival lore.

Well no doubt its not the best thing to do with glue; But all the point was here was, its better than nothing, if you have no other way.

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Carry Less by Knowing More
Knowledge Weighs Nothing

I was always taught to let the wound out for fresh air unless it is bleeding really bad then wrap it I say with a bandanna. don't forget a turnaquite, like with your belt oh yeah wash it with cold water. Very Happy

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Never apply a tourniquet unless you'll die otherwise. It is only used to stop extreme bleeding from large arteries or veins that can't be stopped by direct pressure. You might lose a limb if you do it. And if you do have to use a tourniquet, don't take it off until you get to a doctor.

The best way to take care of a cut is:

Wash with soap and water
apply an antiseptic(hydrogen peroxide is NOT an antiseptic!)
apply Neosporin
cover with a band-aid
also, apply direct pressure if the bleeding does not stop

If you have the money and time, consider taking some first aid classes. They will come in handy not only in the wilderness, but also in everyday life. We all could get injured. Wouldn't it be nice to know that we have the knowledge to take care of ourselves and others? Isn't that what survival is all about?

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that's what I ment if it's a artery or vain then do it.

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