OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

12 Days Post-Dermal Adhesive Application

8/1/2025, 4:00:32 PMMale25-34

Twelve days ago, my son, who is 3.5 years old, had a cut on his face treated with dermal glue. We have been diligent in keeping it covered to prevent him from tampering with the adhesive, and there remains a significant amount of glue on his skin. This weekend, we have several activities planned for his sister’s birthday that will involve water. Is it safe for him to get this area wet? Can he go swimming? If swimming is permissible, should I still use a waterproof bandage to offer extra protection?

Preventive CareFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

8/1/2025, 4:01:35 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's great that you're being attentive to your son's recovery process. As you approach the 12-day mark after the application of dermal adhesive, there are important considerations regarding water exposure, especially with upcoming activities.

Key Points:

  1. Water Exposure: After 12 days, it's typically safe for the area to get wet, but you should monitor how well the glue has adhered.
  2. Swimming Considerations: If the glue is still present and secure, swimming might be permissible with precautions. However, you should prioritize protecting the wound to prevent it from becoming compromised.

Explanation:

Dermal adhesive is designed to be water-resistant, but prolonged exposure to water can weaken its effectiveness. At 12 days, most adhesives should be starting to shed naturally, but it’s essential to ensure that the adhesive isn't peeling away or causing irritation.

Next Steps:

  1. Assess the Glue: Check the area closely. If the adhesive seems intact and firmly adhered, he can likely go swimming.
  2. Use a Waterproof Bandage: If you feel there's a risk of water exposure affecting the adhesive, apply a waterproof bandage for extra protection before swimming.
  3. Monitor for Changes: After the activity, check for signs of irritation, changes in the adhesive’s appearance, or any signs of infection (like redness, swelling, or pus).
  4. Avoid Tampering: Remind your son to avoid touching the area, as this can introduce bacteria.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure that his wound stays protected while he enjoys the festivities. If any concerns arise before or after swimming, consider consulting a healthcare professional for guidance. Enjoy the celebrations!

Related Questions

Concerns About Transdermal Thyroid Medication Exposure

As a 25-year-old female currently taking care of my boss’s cat, I’ve been administering transdermal thyroid medication to the feline's ear for the past few days. It’s been quite a challenge due to the cat’s spirited and less-than-cooperative nature. While I’ve used gloves during the application, there was a mishap this evening when the cat tilted her head at an inopportune moment. This resulted in some of the medication gel landing on my neck—yikes! I promptly washed it off with soap and water, but now I find myself a bit anxious after reading alarming information online about possible side effects from exposure. I’m trying to remind myself not to panic, especially since the prescribed dosage for cats is likely low enough to pose minimal risk for humans. Also, since I acted quickly to remove it, I’m hoping that lessens any potential issue. I’m reaching out to see if anyone with a medical background can provide reassurance, as I’d like to settle my worries and get a good night’s sleep! For reference, the specific medication I have been using is methimazole compounded at a dosage of 1.25 mL.

AgingFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Struggling with an Ingrown Toenail: Seeking Advice

Hello everyone! I’m a 17-year-old who has been dealing with an ingrown toenail for an entire year now. This condition has truly become a significant obstacle in my life, especially since it prevents me from playing football. Despite undergoing three surgical procedures, the issue keeps recurring. I am reaching out for assistance. On my right toe, the skin is swollen and red, accompanied by a persistent feeling of pressure. It feels as if there’s a hollow space developing inside the toe, as the redness seems to be originating from that area. As for my left toe, it appears to be more typical—less painful and showing no signs of infection—but I still suspect that there might be a similar issue lurking beneath the surface. I’m willing to share images if necessary, as my main wish is to regain my quality of life. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated!

WellnessSupplementsFamily Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Seeking Insight on a Foot Condition

Concern regarding the underside of my foot has arisen. Initially, it presented with a callous-like feel accompanied by an indentation. Fast forward several months, and the situation has progressed to its current appearance, which still persists even after vigorous cleaning during showers. Occasionally, I experience discomfort while walking. Could anyone offer their thoughts on what this might be? Just for context, I'm 18 and not taking any medications. Visuals can be found in the comments.

SupplementsLifestyle ChangesFamily Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Concerned About Changes in My Urethra—Should I Be Alarmed?

Greetings everyone! I’ll keep this brief, as it’s somewhat uncomfortable for me to share. Just to clarify, I am male. I've observed that my urethra—if that’s indeed the correct term for it—appears to be narrower than what I typically remember. Additionally, the area surrounding it has taken on a peculiar pale whitish hue, which doesn’t resemble just normal skin tone; it’s distinctly white. When I gently tap or touch this area, I experience a slight discomfort, suggesting it might be irritated or even swollen. Moreover, there’s a stinging sensation when I urinate, which seems to be due to the force of the urine stream relative to the size of the opening. Recently, I’ve noticed that the urine is ejecting at unusual angles—rather than projecting straight ahead, it veered off to the right on one occasion. I’m speculating that it might be swollen or possibly have remnants of hardened ejaculate causing the issue. My primary concern is that it seems to be constricting the urethra significantly. Yet, it’s also possible I’m overreacting and this is just my normal state, though the color change is definitely worrying. I consider myself fairly clean—I ensure to wash that area thoroughly with soap during my showers—but I’m uncertain. If anyone has knowledge about these symptoms, I would greatly appreciate your insight on whether this situation warrants concern.

AgingFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Daily Flush of Heat in Right Ear

I'm a 20-year-old male, and I've been experiencing a strange occurrence with my right ear. Every day, for approximately 20 minutes, it turns intensely red and feels unusually warm. This has persisted for roughly a week. Interestingly, I recall having a similar issue a few years back with one of my heels, where it would swell up, turn red, and sting. At that time, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety, but that's where the concerns ended.

WellnessLifestyle ChangesPreventive Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago