Wound Care following Tissue Adhesive
Wound Care Following Tissue Adhesive
Patient Information
Urgent Treatment Care
- Author ID: NM
- Leaflet Ref: UTC 002
- Version: 3
- Leaflet title: Wound Care following Tissue Adhesive
- Date Produced: May 2025
- Expiry Date: May 2027
Introduction
Your wound has been closed by tissue adhesive.
- The wound area has been closed using a tissue adhesive. The adhesive has been applied to the surface of the skin of your wound to hold the wound edges together.
- The overall appearance can best be described as resembling a dry scab and should be treated like a scab – do not touch this area or attempt to remove the scab as this may lead to an infection.
- Excessive movement at the wound site should be avoided, therefore, stretching or lifting or carrying heavy objects should be avoided.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing that could rub and cause you some discomfort over the wound site.
- Do not apply any medication or cream to the wound. This may loosen the adhesive film.
- The wound site should be kept dry. You may occasionally and briefly wet your wound but do not shower or bathe during the first 48 hours.
- Do not soak or scrub your wound in water for seven to 10 days. After showering or bathing, gently blot your wound dry with a soft towel.
- Where there is a likelihood of abrasion, you may use a clean dry water-resistant dressing, making sure to keep the tape off the adhesive film.
- The adhesive will come away from the skin of its own accord within about 10 days. Just like a normal scab, by then the wound should be sufficiently healed, like a normal scab.
- The scar will take approximately six months to fade.
If you have a raised temperature (over 37.5 centigrade, 99.5 Fahrenheit) please contact:
Wigan Urgent Treatment Centre
Telephone 0300 7073677
Or
Leigh Urgent Treatment Centre
Telephone 0300 7074700, 8am until 8pm.
If your wound becomes red or swollen or starts to ooze, or you have any discomfort or any concerns, please contact:
Wigan Urgent Treatment Centre
Telephone 0300 7073677
Or
Leigh Urgent Treatment Centre
Telephone 0300 7074700, 8am until 8pm.
If it is urgent, at weekends or outside of the above times please attend the Accident and Emergency Department.