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What Is Derma Bond And What Is It Used For? 0

Derma bond is an effective alternative to suturing incisions or wounds that would normally require sutures measuring 5-0 in diameter or smaller. Derma bond is a cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive that reduces treatment time, as well as the discomfort of patients. The adhesive spans across both edges of the wound to create a water-resistant coating while the tissue underneath heals. Though this treatment is optimal for wounds or incisions superficial in nature, Derma Bond can also be applied to wounds where subcutaneous sutures are necessary. This treatment approach is welcomed by patients, especially children, who would prefer to avoid suturing. The cosmetic outcome with Derma Bond is similar to outcomes using traditional repair techniques.

Advantages of adhesive wound repair versus suturing:

• Wound closure occurs in less than half the time.
• Strength of bonding is maximum in two and a half minutes.
• No needles are required for application, only situational topical anesthetic.
• Overall repair time is quicker.
• Better patient attitude towards treatment.
• Covering is water-resistant.
• Suture removal is avoided.

Where To Use Derma Bond

Derma Bond may be used on any number of lacerations or incisions located on the face, extremities, and torso, as deemed appropriate by the physician. Wounds of the torso and extremities are prone to better healing when sutures are placed subcutaneously. Should a physician elect to use adhesive treatment on wounds in areas of high mobility or tension (like joints), it is in good practice to immobilize the area to preserve the integrity of the adhesive.

Derma bond may be applied to wounds on the scalp, though it will need to remain dry for a minimum of five days to promote normal healing.

It is not recommended to use this treatment on animal bite wounds, wounds that may be highly contaminated, mucous membranes, puncture wounds, ulcers, or places prone to moisture, such as the groin area.

Using Derma Bond in Wound Closure

Proper cleansing of wounds, especially those that are deep, is essential regardless of closure technique. Though Derma Bond can replace sutures, anesthetic may still be necessary for thorough deep-wound preparation prior to closure. For smaller, shallower wounds, the use of an antibacterial compound and a sterile saline solution is generally effective for cleansing.

Follow these steps when using Derma Bond:

• Employ topical anesthetic as necessary.
• Cleanse wound thoroughly.
• Determine the edges of the wound.
• Crush the Derma Bond vial and then invert.
• Brush the adhesive over the laceration area with care.
• Hold wound edges together for a minimum of 30 seconds.
• Avoid putting adhesive into the wound itself.
• Apply two additional layers in a slightly larger area, for three layers total.
• Wipe away any runoff adhesive.

As the adhesive is water-resistant by nature, additional coverings are unnecessary. Patients are free to shower regularly and ought to pat the wound area dry as it heals. However, children may need bandages to dissuade picking at the area, and long baths are to be avoided as they may promote premature peeling of the adhesive. Derma Bond will begin to peel away on its own in approximately five to 10 days following application.

The versatility of Provider Prepared Kits exemplified! 0

"I am so grateful for provider prepared! It was late and my daughter was in extreme pain from an ingrown toe nail. Thanks to this kit and my husband's training he was able to take care of it!"

Everything You Need To Know About Sutures 0

Different Suture Types

Surgical sutures are typically divided into two types: non-absorbable and absorbable. However, they may also be differentiated depending on their construction (mono-filament or multi-filament), absorption profile, coating used, and on the synthetic or natural makeup of their materials. Suture type may further be classified depending on specific purpose, such as general sutures, ophthalmic sutures, cardiovascular sutures, orthopedic sutures, and so forth.

Non-Absorbable and Absorbable Sutures

When discussing the absorbable nature of sutures, those that are non-absorbable must be removed by hand, while those that are absorbable are capable of breaking down in the body over the course of time. The suture option that is used is entirely dependent upon the operation that is taking place, including variables such as procedure location and environment. Surgeons must select the option they feel is best, based on their education and years of experience.

Suturing done internally would require the incision site to be reopened for manual removal, while exterior suturing can be removed without reopening of the wound. For this reason, it is most common to find absorbable sutures used internally and non-absorbable sutures used externally.  

Environment also plays a role in determining which type of suture to use. Stressful environments, such as the bladder (which has an adverse chemical presence) or the heart (with continual movement and pressure), may benefit from stronger suture material that is specifically created for the environment. Often, these specialized sutures are non-absorbable in order to lower degradation risk.

• Non-Absorbable Suture Materials: Polyester, Nylon (poylamide), Polypropylene, PVDF, silk, and stainless steel.
• Absorbable Suture Materials: Polyglactin 910, Polyglycolic Acid, Catgut, Polydioxanone, and Poliglecaprone 25.

Multifilament and Monofilament Sutures

This differentiation of sutures refers to the makeup of the material structure. Multifilament, or braided sutures, generally come coated in materials like wax, silicon, polycaprolactone, calcium stearate, or PTFE, and give improved knot security. The monofilament structure offers better passage through the tissues, and typically causes lower reaction in tissues than multifilament sutures.

• Multifilament or Braided Suture Materials: Polyglactin 910, PGA, silk, and polyester
• Monofilament Suture Materials: Nylon, Catgut, PVDF, Polypropylene, stainless steel, Polydioxanone, and Poliglecaprone

Natural and Synthetic Sutures

Whether or not a suture is natural or synthetic is dependent upon the origin of the material. Silk and catgut sutures are natural. All other types of suturing material are of a synthetic make.

Un-Coated and Coated Sutures

Sutures come with different coatings to enhance various properties of the sutures themselves during the closure procedure. These include aspects such as better knotting and ease of passage through patient tissues to lower overall reaction of the tissue. In general, coatings are given to multifilament types of sutures rather than monofilament sutures, because coating is more easily accomplished with braided sutures.

• Un-Coated Suture Materials: Stainless steel, PVDF, monofilament nylon, and monofilament polypropylene.

Coated Suture Materials: Polydioxanone, Poliglecaprone, braided or twisted nylon, silk, polyester, Polylactin 910, Catgut Chromic, and PGA

Uncle Brad to the rescue! 0

This stallion of a PA sewed up his nephew after being struck in the head by the dorsal fin of a toy shark in a swimming pool, believe it or not, probably during SHARK WEEK! Not even swimming pools are safe any more. Thanks for sharing Brad Bybee. 

"Stitched up my little buddy the other night on a hotel room bed after a plastic shark attacked him from the hands of his older brother. Big thanks to Provider Prepared for the supplies. It was nice having everything I needed and was use to using in one spot."

Sarah's Experience with her Provider Prepared Kit 0

Just finished suturing my kiddo on the kitchen table at grandma's house. Soo grateful to have my kit handy! This is the second time I've used it in the past month, third if u count the dermabond on a finger at a family reunion! THANK YOU!

Common Summer Illnesses and Injuries 0

Summertime is one of the most adventurous seasons, and it’s also one of the busiest seasons for medical professionals.  More than 25 million people are treated for injuries every summer. With Provider Prepared’s wide range of first aid and suture kits, you can save yourself valuable time instead of waiting in an emergency room. Many of these injuries can be prevented through preparation and knowledge.  We have put together the most common summer injuries that you or your loved ones may experience, so keep yourself safe and stay prepared.

1. Water Sports Injuries

Summer vacations can bring out the reckless nature that we keep in check for the rest of the year.  High-risk activities can happen frequently, and you can put yourself into unnecessary danger. Common waterside events, such as diving or cliff jumping, can easily damage the cervical spine.  If you or others participating in these high-risk sports experience an altered mental state, fractures, or lacerations, you should immediately use professional equipment.  Lacerations can be repaired with our suture kits, but cervical spine or brain injuries require evaluation in an emergency department. Many of these injuries can be avoided through practice and warm-ups, and maybe just avoiding extreme, high-risk activities altogether.  

2. Dehydration

When your body is losing more fluids than you are taking in, you start suffering from dehydration.  High levels of activity and increased temperatures can force your sweat glands to work overtime, and increase how fast your body loses liquids. Dehydration, if left untreated, can develop into more serious conditions, such as heat exhaustion and stroke.  Staying consistently hydrated by drinking water and taking electrolyte replacements can keep your fluids in balance, and help you avoid the uncomfortable side effects of dehydration.  If you are suffering from mild to moderate dehydration, drinking water is the best treatment.  If you are past those stages and are experiencing severe hydration, you will need to receive IV fluids to help restore your bodies’ fluid balance.

3. Sunburns

At one time or another, we’ve all experienced the pain of a sunburn. The burning sensation of a sunburn is evidence of your body’s weakened defense against the sun. Sunburns are more than just a mild, peeling annoyance once they heal. Over time, sunburns can damage the DNA in your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.  The answer to preventing sunburns is simple: Wear sunscreen! The best way to keep your skin safe is to wear sunscreen daily and reapply it often.  Wearing light clothing that covers your exposed skin, and hats that can protect your face, are more simple ways to prevent sun damage to your skin and face. If you do end up suffering from a sunburn, resist the urge to peel off your flaking skin. Just focus on keeping your skin hydrated with soothing lotions and gels that contain aloe.

4. Insect Bites

Spending extended time outside means that you’re opening yourself up to the increased risk of insect bites.  Many bites offer relatively little pain and injury, but in certain areas, these bugs can transmit infectious diseases, such as malaria or West Nile disease.  If you suffer from fevers, aching joints, or extreme swelling, you should seek out professional medical attention at a hospital. There are a variety of reasons that your body could react poorly to insect bites, so do all you can to avoid them altogether. Wearing long pants and shirts on hikes through wooded areas, and wearing insect repellent on all of your exposed skin is the best line of defense.