Cyanoacrylate glue burn in a child--lessons to be learned

Cyanoacrylate is the generic name for cyanoacrylate based 'fast-acting' adhesives such as methyl-2-cyanoacrylate and ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate(commonly sold under trade names like Super Glue and Krazy Glue). Other forms have been developed as medical grade glues to be non-toxic and less irritating to skin tissue. Cyanoacrylate has a multitude of uses, ranging from simple domestic applications, to those for industrial purposes. It is an acrylic resin which rapidly polymerises in the presence of water (specifically hydroxide ions), forming long, strong chains, joining the bonded surfaces together. Cyanoacrylate sets quickly, often in less than a minute and a normal bond reaches full strength in two hours and is waterproof. This case report outlines an interesting case of a full thickness burn resulting from skin in contact with cyanoacrylate glue, including highlighting several areas where the management was not appropriate. This was likely due to the novel presentation of this patient, and lack of education of staff. Although there have been cases of burns resulting from this type of glue documented in the literature, there are none of this exact nature and depth. [See figure in text]. Polymerization of methyl-2-cyanoacrylate.