Gluing a cut shut with regular household glue like Gorilla Glue may seem like a quick and easy solution when you don’t have access to proper first aid supplies. However, most medical professionals advise against using Gorilla Glue or other household adhesives on open wounds. While it may temporarily seal the cut, Gorilla Glue can introduce some significant risks and complications in the wound healing process.
Some key facts about Gorilla Glue include:
- Extremely strong adhesive power – Once cured, Gorilla Glue forms permanent bonds that are incredibly difficult to break or separate. This is useful for bonding wood, metal, stone, and other materials.
- Water-activated formula – Gorilla Glue reacts with moisture and expands 3-4 times in volume during the curing process. This allows it to seep into pores and create an incredibly tight bond.
- Long curing time – Gorilla Glue takes 24 hours to fully cure. During this time, the glue remains tacky and will stick to anything it touches.
- Difficult to remove – When cured, Gorilla Glue is extremely difficult to scrape or wash off surfaces. Solvents like acetone are required to break down the adhesive.
Why Gorilla Glue is Not Ideal for Cuts
While Gorilla Glue seems like it would effectively seal up a cut, there are several important reasons why it should be avoided for wound care.
Not Sterile
One of the biggest risks of using Gorilla Glue on cuts is that it is not sterile. Household glues have not been sterilized or designed for medical use. Using Gorilla Glue can very easily introduce bacteria, viruses, and other microbes into the wound. This significantly raises the risk of infection.
Infections develop when harmful microorganisms multiply within the wound. Signs of an infected cut include pus, redness, swelling, increased pain, heat coming from the area, red streaks, and fever. Infections require medical treatment with antibiotics to resolve.
Can Cause Skin Irritation
The ingredients in Gorilla Glue, especially the isocyanate compounds, may irritate skin and mucous membranes. Many people experience a stinging or burning sensation when Gorilla Glue makes contact with their skin.
For people with sensitive skin or allergies, Gorilla Glue could potentially cause a more severe allergic reaction. Symptoms like redness, swelling, rash, itching, and hives may develop on the skin around the wound.
Impedes Healing Process
When used on cuts, Gorilla Glue forms an inflexible, hardened bond over the wound. This prevents the natural movements of the skin that are vital for proper healing.
As a wound heals, new skin cells need to migrate across the area to close and cover the cut. The rigid Gorilla Glue barrier can lead to slower healing, scarring, and potentially the wound reopening.
Difficult Removal
Once Gorilla Glue cures fully, it is extremely difficult to remove from surfaces – including skin. Attempting to peel or scrape off the hardened glue can disturb newly formed scabs and cause additional injury to the cut and surrounding skin.
The use of solvents like acetone or nail polish remover can break down Gorilla Glue. However, these chemicals are also very harsh and can damage sensitive wound tissue. This can cause further pain and impede the healing process.
Proper First Aid for Cuts
Instead of using Gorilla Glue, proper wound care is vital for minimizing infection risk and promoting healing. Here are the standard first aid guidelines for treating cuts:
Clean the Wound
- Rinse the cut under running water to remove any dirt, debris, or traces of glue.
- Gently clean around the cut with mild soap and warm water.
- Do not scrub the wound vigorously as this can damage tissue.
- Pat dry with a clean towel.
Stop Bleeding
- Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage until bleeding stops.
- Elevate the cut area above heart level to help slow blood flow.
- Do not remove the bandage if it becomes soaked with blood – simply add more material on top and continue to apply pressure.
Protect the Wound
- For minor cuts, shallow wounds, and abrasions that have stopped bleeding, apply an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin.
- Cover with a sterile bandage or adhesive bandage strip.
- Change dressings daily and reapply ointment during healing.
When to Seek Medical Care
Get emergency medical care for any cut or laceration that:
- Won’t stop bleeding after 10 minutes of direct pressure
- Has edges that won’t come together
- Is gaping open
- Appears deep into muscles, tendons, or other tissues
- Develops redness, swelling, increasing pain, pus, or fever
Tetanus immunization may be needed depending on individual risk factors. Seek professional medical advice whenever a cut seems serious or becomes infected.
Alternatives to Gorilla Glue for Cuts
Rather than household glue, use first aid products designed for wound care and closing cuts. Some options include:
Liquid Bandage
Liquid bandages contain antiseptic ingredients to prevent infection. When applied to a cut, the liquid dries into a flexible, waterproof covering that protects the wound while allowing air circulation. New skin can still form underneath.
Sterile Butterfly Bandages
These adhesive strips gently hold the edges of a cut together to promote faster healing with minimal scarring. They allow for some movement while keeping the wound closed.
Wound Closure Strips
Similar to butterfly bandages, these medical-grade adhesive strips draw the sides of a cut together. They provide additional strength compared to regular bandages.
Topical Skin Adhesives
Skin glues like Dermabond contain cyanoacrylate, which mimics the body’s natural healing process. They polymerize to form a protective covering over cuts and wounds.
See a Doctor
For serious cuts, your best option is always to see a doctor. They can properly clean, close, and dress the wound while also assessing if stitches are needed to properly seal the cut.
Warning Signs of Infection
Monitor all cuts closely for any signs of infection, including:
- Pus or cloudy drainage from the wound
- Redness spreading from the cut
- Warmth and tenderness around the cut
- Swelling
- Fever
See a doctor immediately if a cut becomes infected – untreated infections can progress to become life-threatening.
When Can I Remove Gorilla Glue from a Healing Cut?
If you’ve already used Gorilla Glue as an improvised wound sealant, it’s important to remove it carefully and properly clean and treat the cut.
Here are some tips for safe Gorilla Glue removal:
- Allow the glue to cure fully – this takes 24 hours. Do not try to peel off uncured glue.
- Soak the area with olive oil or another vegetable oil to loosen the glue’s adhesion and reduce chances of skin damage.
- Gently roll the glue off the skin. Avoid pulling at it.
- Use acetone nail polish remover to dissolve any remaining glue residue. Use a cotton ball and be very gentle around the cut.
- Wash the area with soap and water when all glue is removed.
- Inspect the wound and treat with first aid antiseptic and bandages.
- Watch closely for signs of infection and see a doctor if any appear.
Removing Gorilla Glue once cured can be difficult and cause additional trauma to the cut and surrounding skin. Avoid using household glues as wound sealants to prevent complications. With proper first aid, most minor cuts can heal well on their own. Seek medical care when any cut seems serious or becomes infected.