Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for a cut in your skin. A cut is also called a "laceration." The doctors closed the cut with a special kind of skin glue. The glue is also called "tissue adhesives."
The glue will peel off on its own, usually in 5 to 10 days. If the glue is still on your skin after 10 days, you can use antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly (sample brand name: Vaseline) to get it off. You do not need to see the doctor again unless the wound doesn't heal well or you have signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●You do not need to bandage a wound that was closed with skin glue. The glue works like a bandage.
●Do not pick at the glue. It will fall off on its own in 5 to 10 days.
●Before 10 days, do not use antibiotic ointment (sample brand names: Polysporin, Bacitracin) on the wound. This can cause the glue to break down too quickly.
●You can shower while the glue is on your skin, but do not take a bath, soak in water, or scrub the area for 7 to 10 days. Dry your skin by patting it gently with a towel.
●Always wash your hands before and after you touch the wound or glue.
●Avoid activities that could hurt the area near the wound for 1 to 2 weeks. If you hurt the area again, the cut could open up again.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●The wound is swollen, red, or warm
●The wound has thick yellow or green drainage.
●The wound opens up.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Skin glue for minor cuts (The Basics)
Patient education: Taking care of cuts, scrapes, and puncture wounds (The Basics)
Patient education: Laceration infection (The Basics)
