Cyanoacrylate Burn Injuries: Two Unusual Cases and a Review of the Literature.

The authors present 2 cases of cyanoacrylate glue ("Super Glue") burns, with a review of the literature and a discussion on the mechanism of action. The authors found all reported cases were with domestic - not medical-grade - cyanoacrylate glue in the presence of cotton fabric. Often erroneously designated as chemical burns, they are thermal burns caused by an intensive exothermic reaction. Cotton acts as a highly potent catalyst, speeding up the polymerization reaction leading to high-peak temperatures capable of causing burns and spontaneous ignition of the fabric. The authors identify factors that explain the different risk profiles of domestic and medical cyanoacrylate glues and could be addressed to improve safety with nonmedical applications.