Liquid bandage
Encyclopedia
Liquid bandage is a topical skin treatment for minor cuts and sores that is sold by several companies. The products are mixtures of chemicals which create a polymeric layer which binds to the skin
. This protects the wound by keeping dirt and germs out, and keeping moisture in.
dissolved in a solvent (commonly water or an alcohol), sometimes with an added antiseptic
, although the alcohol in some brands may serve the same purpose. These products protect the wound by forming a thin film of polymer when the carrier evaporates. Polymers used may include polyvinylpyrrolidone (water based), pyroxylin/nitrocellulose
or poly(methylacrylate-isobutene-monoisopropylmaleate) (alcohol based), and acrylate or siloxane
polymers (hexamethyldisiloxane
or isooctane solvent based). Other types of liquid bandages (more suited for use when the wound is actively bleeding), are based on cyanoacrylate
s. Although ethylcyanoacrylates are conventionally used in "superglue" adhesives, medical cyanoacrylates are based on octylcyanoacrylates, as they do not break down in the body to form toxic byproducts, as ethylcyanoacrylates do. Research is underway into acrylate copolymer based products, as there is less chance of gluing body parts together accidentally.
In addition to their use in replacing conventional bandage
s in minor cuts and scrapes, they have found use in surgical and veterinary offices, as they cause less trauma, and do not have to be removed like sutures (stitches) and staples
do. Liquid bandages are increasingly finding use in the field of combat, where they can be used to rapidly stanch a wound until proper medical attention can be obtained. Liquid bandage has also been used to treat skin tags.
Skin
-Dermis:The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. It also harbors many Mechanoreceptors that provide the sense of touch and heat...
. This protects the wound by keeping dirt and germs out, and keeping moisture in.
Design
Liquid bandage is typically a polymerPolymer
A polymer is a large molecule composed of repeating structural units. These subunits are typically connected by covalent chemical bonds...
dissolved in a solvent (commonly water or an alcohol), sometimes with an added antiseptic
Antiseptic
Antiseptics are antimicrobial substances that are applied to living tissue/skin to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction...
, although the alcohol in some brands may serve the same purpose. These products protect the wound by forming a thin film of polymer when the carrier evaporates. Polymers used may include polyvinylpyrrolidone (water based), pyroxylin/nitrocellulose
Nitrocellulose
Nitrocellulose is a highly flammable compound formed by nitrating cellulose through exposure to nitric acid or another powerful nitrating agent. When used as a propellant or low-order explosive, it is also known as guncotton...
or poly(methylacrylate-isobutene-monoisopropylmaleate) (alcohol based), and acrylate or siloxane
Siloxane
A siloxane is any chemical compound composed of units of the form R2SiO, where R is a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group. They belong to the wider class of organosilicon compounds....
polymers (hexamethyldisiloxane
Hexamethyldisiloxane
Hexamethyldisiloxane is a organosilicon compound with the formula O[Si3]2. This volatile liquid is used as a solvent and as a reagent in organic synthesis. It is prepared by the hydrolysis of trimethylsilyl chloride...
or isooctane solvent based). Other types of liquid bandages (more suited for use when the wound is actively bleeding), are based on cyanoacrylate
Cyanoacrylate
Cyanoacrylate is the generic name for cyanoacrylate based fast-acting adhesives such as methyl 2-cyanoacrylate, ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate , and n-butyl cyanoacrylate...
s. Although ethylcyanoacrylates are conventionally used in "superglue" adhesives, medical cyanoacrylates are based on octylcyanoacrylates, as they do not break down in the body to form toxic byproducts, as ethylcyanoacrylates do. Research is underway into acrylate copolymer based products, as there is less chance of gluing body parts together accidentally.
In addition to their use in replacing conventional bandage
Bandage
A bandage is a piece of material used either to support a medical device such as a dressing or splint, or on its own to provide support to the body; they can also be used to restrict a part of the body. During heavy bleeding or following a poisonous bite it is important to slow the flow of blood,...
s in minor cuts and scrapes, they have found use in surgical and veterinary offices, as they cause less trauma, and do not have to be removed like sutures (stitches) and staples
Surgical staple
Surgical staples are specialized staples used in surgery in place of sutures to close skin wounds, connect or remove parts of the bowels or lungs. A more recent development, from the 1990s, uses clips instead of staples for some applications; this does not require the staple to penetrate.Stapling...
do. Liquid bandages are increasingly finding use in the field of combat, where they can be used to rapidly stanch a wound until proper medical attention can be obtained. Liquid bandage has also been used to treat skin tags.
Ingredients and brands
| Ingredients | Brands | Known toxic ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Octyl cyanoacrylate 2-Octyl cyanoacrylate 2-Octyl cyanoacrylate is an cyanoacrylate ester used in medical adhesives. It is closely related to octyl cyanoacrylate.-See also:* Methyl cyanoacrylate* Ethyl cyanoacrylate* Butyl cyanoacrylate* Octyl cyanoacrylate... |
Dermabond | |
| Ethyl cyanoacrylate Ethyl cyanoacrylate Ethyl cyanoacrylate , a cyanoacrylate ester, is an ethyl ester of 2-cyano-2-propenoic acid. It is a colorless liquid with low viscosity. It is the main component of cyanoacrylate glues and can be encountered under many trade names. Super glue and Krazy glue are believed to be virtually 100% ECA... |
Band-Aid | Ethyl cyanoacrylate Ethyl cyanoacrylate Ethyl cyanoacrylate , a cyanoacrylate ester, is an ethyl ester of 2-cyano-2-propenoic acid. It is a colorless liquid with low viscosity. It is the main component of cyanoacrylate glues and can be encountered under many trade names. Super glue and Krazy glue are believed to be virtually 100% ECA... |
| n-Butyl cyanoacrylate Butyl cyanoacrylate n-Butyl cyanoacrylate , a cyanoacrylate ester, is a butyl ester of 2-cyano-2-propenoic acid. It is a clear colorless liquid with a sharp, irritating odor. It is insoluble in water. Its chief use is as the main component of medical cyanoacrylate glues. It can be encountered under various trade... |
PeriAcryl, GluStitch, Xoin, Gesika, VetGlu, 3M Vetbond, LiquiVet, Indermil, LiquiBand, Histoacryl | |
| alcohol (6.7%), oil of cloves Oil of cloves Oil of cloves, also known as clove oil, is an essential oil from the clove plant, Syzygium aromaticum.* CAS number: 8000-34-8It is a natural analgaesic and antiseptic used primarily in dentistry for its main ingredient eugenol... , nitrocellulose Nitrocellulose Nitrocellulose is a highly flammable compound formed by nitrating cellulose through exposure to nitric acid or another powerful nitrating agent. When used as a propellant or low-order explosive, it is also known as guncotton... (pyroxylin) solution, 8-Hydroxyquinoline 8-Hydroxyquinoline 8-Hydroxyquinoline is an organic compound with the formula C9H7NO. It is a derivative of the heterocycle quinoline by placement of an OH group on carbon number 8... (1%) as an antiseptic |
MedTech's New-Skin | oil of cloves Oil of cloves Oil of cloves, also known as clove oil, is an essential oil from the clove plant, Syzygium aromaticum.* CAS number: 8000-34-8It is a natural analgaesic and antiseptic used primarily in dentistry for its main ingredient eugenol... |
| hexamethyldisiloxane Hexamethyldisiloxane Hexamethyldisiloxane is a organosilicon compound with the formula O[Si3]2. This volatile liquid is used as a solvent and as a reagent in organic synthesis. It is prepared by the hydrolysis of trimethylsilyl chloride... , 2,2,4-Trimethylpentane 2,2,4-Trimethylpentane 2,2,4-Trimethylpentane, also known as isooctane, iso-octane, is an organic compound with the formula 3CCH2CH2. It is one of several isomers of octane . This particular isomer is the standard for 100 point on the octane rating scale... (isooctane), acrylate terpolymer, polyphenylmethylsiloxane Siloxane A siloxane is any chemical compound composed of units of the form R2SiO, where R is a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group. They belong to the wider class of organosilicon compounds.... |
Nexcare Nexcare Nexcare is 3M's personal health care brand. The brand competes with Johnson & Johnson's Band-Aid brand in the adhesive bandage and first aid market. The brand also sells similar products such as bandages, gauze, surgical tape, cold sore treatment and liquid bandage products.-External links:*... |
2,2,4-Trimethylpentane 2,2,4-Trimethylpentane 2,2,4-Trimethylpentane, also known as isooctane, iso-octane, is an organic compound with the formula 3CCH2CH2. It is one of several isomers of octane . This particular isomer is the standard for 100 point on the octane rating scale... |