A new option in the treatment of skin tears for the institutionalized resident: formulated 2-octylcyanoacrylate topical bandage.

Skin tears are a common phenomenon in elderly institutionalized adults (EIAs). Incidence ranges from 0.92 to 2.5 per person/year. Little supportive literature exists regarding optimal treatment with many regimens reported. A convenience sample of 20 patients with Payne-Martin Category II and III skin tears of less than 8 hours' duration were prospectively evaluated with the use of a formulated 2-octylcyanoacrylate topical bandage. Patients were followed weekly until the tear healed. Complete healing occurred with 1 application of 2-OTB in 90% (18/20) of study subjects; 5% (n = 1) reported transient mild pain (less than 15 seconds), and 90% (n = 19) reported no pain. There were no incidents of cellulitis or infection. Shower and bathing routines were not interrupted. Cost averaged less than $1 per application. Clinician time averaged 1.5 minutes per application. Clinicians reported high satisfaction because repeated dressing changes were eliminated.