Are there any alternatives to Dermabond that can be used for closing my surgical incisions?

Thank you for sharing your concerns! It sounds like you’ve had a challenging experience with surgical adhesives like Dermabond, which is understandable. While Dermabond and similar skin adhesives are popular due to their ease of use and minimal scarring potential, allergic reactions such as itching and rashes can happen.

Steri-Strips: These adhesive strips can be a less reactive alternative to Dermabond. They work by approximating the edges of the skin like a glue but are generally gentler on the skin.

Skin Glue Alternatives: While Dermabond is the most well-known, there may be other skin adhesives available that don’t contain the same allergens, though this varies between products and surgeons' preferences.

Medication to Prevent Allergic Reactions:
Unfortunately, taking an antibiotic wouldn’t prevent an allergic reaction to Dermabond or Dermaglue. Allergic reactions are due to the body's immune response to the adhesive, not an infection, so antibiotics wouldn’t address the issue. In some cases, a surgeon might prescribe a topical steroid or antihistamine to reduce the symptoms of an allergic reaction if they are mild, but this wouldn't prevent the reaction itself.

What You Can Do:
Discuss Alternatives with Your Surgeon: Since you already know you react to Dermabond, it’s important to have a detailed conversation with your surgeon about alternative closure methods that will suit your specific skin sensitivities.
Patch Testing: If you're unsure whether you might be allergic to other adhesives or materials, patch testing can help identify potential allergens before surgery.
Your surgeon will be able to work with you to find the best option that minimizes both scarring and discomfort. Make sure they’re aware of your allergy so they can tailor the procedure to your needs!

One alternative is skin tape, such as steri strips. However, these are often more reactive than the dermabond in terms of periwound inflammation. You could also utilize interrupted sutures rather than subcutaneous/subcuticular sutures. While these may decrease inflammation around the wound, they can lead to marks where the sutures came through the skin, otherwise known as railroad tracking.

Hello Ronnie-- based on your 1 picture, looks like you have a cutaneous reaction/contact dermatitis to the glue and thus an adhesive allergy. Usually patients in my practice who exhibit this or relate a history of adhesive allergies, I'm reluctant to use additional glue type closures (dermabond, Prineo, Xofin, etc). The reaction can get more intense and profound with each additional use. Usually steroids, both topically and oral along with Benadryl will help with the allergic type reaction, but there can be some skin changes that occur that may be permanent if it is not discontinued and removed from . You should really avoid these type of products on your skin given the type of reaction you exhibit. Talk to your plastic surgeon about your alternatives prior to surgery. Good luck!