HERE ARE SOME FIRST-AID SUGGESTIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF ADHESION OF SKIN TISSUE BY CYANOACRYLATE ADHESIVES
Cyanoacrylate adhesives (CA’s) are rapid-curing, strong bonding agents that will bond human tissue and skin in seconds. Experience has shown that accidents due to CA’s are handled best by passive, non-surgical first aid. Suggested treatments for specific types of accidents are given below.
SKIN ADHESION
Immerse bonded areas in warm, soapy water. Peel or roll skin apart; a spatula or teaspoon handle or even a pencil will help. Remove cured adhesive with warm, soapy water (may take several applications). Fingernail polish remover with an acetone base has also been successful in the removal of cured adhesive from the skin.
EYELID-TO-EYELID OR EYEBALL ADHESION
If eyelids are stuck together or bonded to the eyeball, wash thoroughly with warm water and apply a gauze patch. The eye will open without further action within 1-4 days. To our knowledge, there has never been a documented case of CA in the eye causing permanent damage. Do not try to force the eyes open.
ADHESIVE ON THE EYEBALL
CA will attach itself to the eye protein and will disassociate from it over time, usually within several hours. Periods of weeping and double vision may be experienced until clearance is achieved. Use of a warmed 3% sodium bicarbonate solution to wash eyes repeatedly may assist in aiding more rapid removal of the adhesive.
MOUTH
If lips are accidentally stuck together, apply copious amounts of warm water and encourage maximum wetting and pressure from saliva from inside the mouth. Peel or roll (do not pull) lips apart.
It is almost impossible to swallow CA (as a liquid). The adhesive solidifies upon contact with saliva (moisture) and can adhere to the inside of the mouth. Saliva will lift the adhesive in 1-2 days, avoid swallowing the adhesive after detachment.
BURNS
CA’s exotherm, or give off heat, during cure. In rare cases, a large quantity can cause a burn. Product labeling now reflects to avoid contact with clothing as can cause burn. Burns should be treated normally after the cured adhesive is removed from the skin.
SURGERY
It should never be necessary to surgically remove CA’s or to separate bonded skin using surgical techniques.
