Use of Cyanoacrylate No-sting Liquid Skin Protectant in Neonatal Skin Injury

Premature infants frequently experience skin complications as a result of underlying skin immaturity and trauma related to medical devices. Fully developed skin functions as a barrier against infection and caustic elements, but in premature infants, their immature epidermis inhibits the skin's ability to prevent infection, maintain water and electrolyte balance and protect against absorption of toxic substances. Their fragile skin is furthermore susceptible to pressure and caustic elements in a neonatal intensive care unit environment. Skin tears and partial thickness wounds are a common occurrence in this population. Medical devices such as gastrostomy and tracheostomy tubes are often complicated by adjacent skin damage.  A breathable skin protectant is needed to support the skin’s natural barrier function and allow for amelioration of the damaged skin underneath. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a cyanoacrylate no-sting liquid skin protectant as a method to protect skin and promote healing in premature neonates.

In this seven case series, four premature neonatal cases and three premature infant cases are presented. The patients’ conditions include diaper dermatitis, a pressure ulcer, gastrostomy tube skin breakdown, tracheostomy tube skin breakdown, transperitoneal penrose drain skin breakdown and abdominal wall skin breakdown. The cyanoacrylate no-sting liquid skin protectant was applied to the damaged skin and reapplied every two to three days as per facility standard of care. Skin was monitored for signs of complications. The time to resolution of skin breakdown was tracked.

Within a few applications, the damaged skin was resolved in every case and no additional wound care intervention was required. In our use, we did not see any adverse events and this cyanoacrylate no-sting liquid skin protectant is now standard item in numerous hospital formularies. 

Photos will be presented.