In reply

Abstract

We acknowledge Dr. DaCruz’s comments regarding our case report and appreciate his concern about establishing a “cause-and-effect” between the application of superglue and the subsequent tissue necrosis. Although in the case of our patient the wound was complicated by a superinfection, the extent of tissue necrosis far exceeded what one would expect from a local infection. It was our intent in this case report to call attention to a potentially harmful practice. It is true that many people inadvertently get superglue on their fingers during application; however, this usually occurs with an intact skin barrier and prompts attempts at removal of the glue. This is a different scenario from one in which someone directly applies the superglue into an open wound.We understand that skin lacerations may be treated with superglue and that this is a very cost-effective method; however, given the product manufacturers’ warning to “avoid skin contact,” the well-documented histotoxicity of short-chain cyanoacrylates, and our experience with this patient, we would not recommend the use of household superglue in treatment of lacerations. We acknowledge Dr. DaCruz’s comments regarding our case report and appreciate his concern about establishing a “cause-and-effect” between the application of superglue and the subsequent tissue necrosis. Although in the case of our patient the wound was complicated by a superinfection, the extent of tissue necrosis far exceeded what one would expect from a local infection. It was our intent in this case report to call attention to a potentially harmful practice. It is true that many people inadvertently get superglue on their fingers during application; however, this usually occurs with an intact skin barrier and prompts attempts at removal of the glue. This is a different scenario from one in which someone directly applies the superglue into an open wound. We understand that skin lacerations may be treated with superglue and that this is a very cost-effective method; however, given the product manufacturers’ warning to “avoid skin contact,” the well-documented histotoxicity of short-chain cyanoacrylates, and our experience with this patient, we would not recommend the use of household superglue in treatment of lacerations.