Skin glue is usually used for cuts or wounds that: <ul> <li>are small or minor</li> <li>are up to 5cm long</li> <li>have straight edges that can be easily pulled together</li> </ul> Skin glue is often used to close wounds on: <ul> <li>the face or head</li> <li>some parts of the arms and legs</li> <li>the trunk of the body (torso)</li> </ul> Skin glue isn't suitable for wounds over joints, like your knees, groin or hands. ::: body-ad-desktop zones:: 232632,232400,232640 types:: 163 disclaimer:: AD typeFilter:: native_ad adCount:: 1 ::: ::: body-ad-mobile zones:: 232632,232400,232642 types:: 5,163 disclaimer:: ADVERTISEMENT typeFilter:: display/native_ad adCount:: 1 :::

When is skin glue used? 

Skin glue is applied as a liquid or paste to the edges of the wound. It takes only a few minutes to set. The glue usually peels off in 5 to 7 days. The scar should take about 6 months to fade. ::: body-ad-mobile zones:: 232632,232400,233460 types:: 5 disclaimer:: ADVERTISEMENT typeFilter:: display adCount:: 1 :::

How long does skin glue stay on?

Your doctor or nurse will give you advice about caring for a wound closed with skin glue. General advice: <ul> <li>avoid touching the glue for 24 hours try to keep the wound dry for the first 5 days</li> <li>showers are preferable to baths to avoid soaking the wound</li> <li>use a shower cap if the wound is on the head</li> <li>pat the wound dry if it gets wet – don't rub it</li> </ul> If the wound is on your head, you should be able to wash your hair after 5 days. Things to avoid during the first 5 days: <ul> <li>don't stick a plaster on the skin glue</li> <li>don't put creams or lotions on the glue</li> <li>don't wear clothing that could rub against the glue</li> <li>don't pick at the glued area</li> <li>don't brush hair around the glued area</li> </ul> ::: body-ad-mobile zones:: 232632,232400,245869 types:: 5 disclaimer:: ADVERTISEMENT typeFilter:: display adCount:: 1 :::

How to care for a wound closed with skin glue

Most wounds closed with skin glue heal normally. You should seek medical attention if: <ul> <li>your wound splits open or starts to bleed</li> <li>you think your wound may be infected</li> </ul> You might have an infection if: <ul> <li>the wound becomes more red or swollen</li> <li>the pain or soreness in your wound gets worse</li> <li>pus or blood leaks from your wound</li> <li>you have a temperature of 38C (100.4F) or over</li> </ul> Contact your doctor or practice nurse for advice, or go to a walk-in centre.

When to get help




## When is skin glue used? 

Skin glue is usually used for cuts or wounds that:

- are small or minor
- are up to 5cm long
- have straight edges that can be easily pulled together

Skin glue is often used to close wounds on:

- the face or head
- some parts of the arms and legs
- the trunk of the body (torso)

Skin glue isn't suitable for wounds over joints, like your knees, groin or hands.



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## How long does skin glue stay on?

Skin glue is applied as a liquid or paste to the edges of the wound. 

It takes only a few minutes to set. 

The glue usually peels off in 5 to 7 days. 

The scar should take about 6 months to fade.



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## How to care for a wound closed with skin glue

Your doctor or nurse will give you advice about caring for a wound closed with skin glue.

General advice:

- avoid touching the glue for 24 hours try to keep the wound dry for the first 5 days
- showers are preferable to baths to avoid soaking the wound
- use a shower cap if the wound is on the head
- pat the wound dry if it gets wet – don't rub it

If the wound is on your head, you should be able to wash your hair after 5 days.

Things to avoid during the first 5 days:

- don't stick a plaster on the skin glue
- don't put creams or lotions on the glue
- don't wear clothing that could rub against the glue
- don't pick at the glued area
- don't brush hair around the glued area



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## When to get help

Most wounds closed with skin glue heal normally.

You should seek medical attention if:

- your wound splits open or starts to bleed
- you think your wound may be infected

You might have an infection if:

- the wound becomes more red or swollen
- the pain or soreness in your wound gets worse
- pus or blood leaks from your wound
- you have a temperature of 38C (100.4F) or over

Contact your doctor or practice nurse for advice, or go to a walk-in centre.

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References

Healthily's medical team

Article information

How do I care for a wound treated with skin glue?

All of Healthily's articles undergo medical safety checks to verify that the information is medically safe. View more details in our <a href="/safety" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">safety page</a>, or read our <a href="/legal/editorial-policy-principles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">editorial policy</a>.

Skin glue is a special medical glue used to close wounds. Learn about how to care for a wound treated with skin glue here - using content verified by certified doctors.