Skin glue is a clear gel that may be used to hold the edges of a small cut together. Your doctor may apply skin glue instead of stitching your cut. A liquid will be applied to your skin and allowed to dry. As it dries, it creates a film that will hold together the edges of your cut.

If skin glue is used to close your cut, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions on how to care for your cut. In general, follow these guidelines to care for your cut.

• Keep the cut dry for the first 24 to 48 hours. After this, you can shower if your doctor okays it. Pat the cut dry.
• Don't soak the cut, such as in a bathtub. Your doctor will tell you when it's safe to get the cut wet.
• If your doctor told you how to care for your cut, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
  • Do not put any kind of ointment, cream, or lotion over the area. This can make the glue come off too soon.
  • After the first 24 to 48 hours, wash around the cut with clean water 2 times a day. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
  • If the doctor told you to use a bandage, put on a new bandage after cleaning the cut or if the bandage gets wet or dirty.
• Leave the skin glue on your skin until it comes off on its own. This may take 5 to 10 days.
  • Do not scratch, rub, or pick at the glue.
  • Do not put the sticky part of a bandage directly on the glue.
• Avoid any activity that could cause your cut to reopen.
• Watch for symptoms of infection. If symptoms of an infection develop, call your doctor.