A laceration is a cut through the skin. If you have a chin laceration, skin glue may be used to repair the cut. Skin glue is usually used on cuts that are shallow, have smooth edges, and aren't infected. A lower layer of skin may be closed with stitches before skin glue is applied. Sometimes surgical tapes may be used along with the glue. No bandages are needed.
Skin glue peels off on its own within 5 to 10 days. You may need a tetanus shot if you're not up-to-date on your tetanus vaccine.
Home care
Medicines
You can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain, unless another pain medicine was prescribed. If you are taking a blood thinner or have chronic liver or kidney disease, talk with your doctor before using these medicines. Also talk with your doctor if you've ever had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding.
General care
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Keep the wound clean and dry. You may shower as usual, or gently wash the wound. But don't take a bath, or soak or scrub the wound. After you shower, pat the wound dry with a soft towel. Don't use soaps, lotions, or ointments on the wound area.
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Don't scratch, rub, or pick at the skin glue. Don't place tape directly over the skin glue.
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Don't apply liquids (such as peroxide), ointments, or creams to the wound while the skin glue is in place. These substances can dissolve the skin glue too soon.
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If the glue doesn't peel off after 10 days, apply petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment to the area to help loosen the glue.
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Most chin wounds heal without problems. But an infection sometimes occurs even with correct treatment. So watch for the signs of infection listed below.
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Certain types of skin glues can't be used if you have an allergy to latex or formaldehyde. Tell your doctor right away about your allergies. Some people can also get an allergic rash from the most commonly used skin glues (acrylates).
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If you normally have trouble with wound healing because of diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, you may have trouble healing with skin glue. (Sutures or staples may also cause trouble healing.)
Follow-up care
Follow up with your doctor, or as advised. The skin glue should fall off on its own in 5 to 10 days.
When to get medical advice
Contact your doctor right away if:
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You have signs of infection, such as:
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A fever of 100.4°F (38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your doctor.
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Increasing pain in the wound.
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Increasing redness or swelling.
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Pus coming from the wound.
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The wound bleeds more than a small amount, or bleeding doesn’t stop.
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The edges of the wound come apart.
