Recent years have witnessed the increased use of medical adhesives in lieu of sutures or staples for the closure of post-surgical and traumatic incisions in areas of low skin tension. Although medical adhesives have many advantages and little risk of adverse side effects, the medical literature on allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by specific components contained within the medical adhesives is increasing rapidly. 

A recent paper described the differential diagnosis of encountering complications after the use of medical adhesives for wound closure. It also delineated the differences among the most commonly used adhesives, provided a rationale for assessing an individual′s personal risk of developing ACD, and highlighted the unique advantages and disadvantages of each adhesive. 

Since the number of patients requiring medical adhesives is increasing, physicians should anticipate an increase in the number of cases of ACD secondary to adhesive sensitization. 

Physicians must differentiate between a case of ACD and another potentially more serious complication, such as cellulitis.

Source- Thornton NJ, Gibson BR, Ferry AM. Contact Dermatitis and Medical Adhesives: A Review. Cureus. 2021 Mar 24;13(3):e14090. doi: 10.7759/cureus.14090. PMID: 33903846; PMCID: PMC8064730.