Dermatologists: Krazy Glue Works on Paper Cuts

— -- Using Krazy Glue is getting a little crazier.

Marketed to fix cracked ceramics or torn leather and plastic, dermatologists now are recommending the high-powered adhesive for tears in human skin.

Although the packaging on Elmer’s Products’ Krazy Glue specifically warns against contact with skin, an increasing number of dermatologists, nevertheless, are recommending the glue for patients suffering from small lacerations, such as papercuts, or even more serious skin splits as a result of chapping and eczema.

“Papercuts are very fine cuts, but they burn and sting. The idea is to occlude the wound,” explains Dr. Ken Gross, Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California in San Diego.

Dermatologists are justifying their counsel because Krazy Glue is comparable to a substance they use medically. Krazy Glue, or ethyl cyanoacrylate, is similar to a product used instead of sutures in dermatologic surgery called Dermabond, says Dr. James Spencer, Director of Dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

But Dermabond is a prescription product, distributed by Johnson & Johnson Co. division Ethicon, Inc., of Sommerville, NJ, and costs about $20 dollars an ounce. Krazy Glue, available at most drug and hardware stores, sells for only $2 dollars per ounce.

Spencer says he sees no problem with using Krazy Glue to seal small wounds—as long as it is applied with caution. He recommends patients daub a small spot of glue on top of the wound and then seal it closed with their fingers. But, both Gross and Spencer warn, some people may be allergic to the adhesive.

Regardless of the dermatologists’ advice, Food and Drug Administration spokeswoman Sharon Snider warns the product is not approved for medical use.

Elmer’s Products, of Columbus, OH agrees with the FDA, stating: “We do not advocate that the product be used for medical purposes.” And Company spokeswoman Terri Brown says Elmer’s Products has no plans to pursue FDA approval for its skin adhesive properties.