An uncommon complication: Allergic contact dermatitis after retroauricular application of LiquiBand® (n-Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate) topical skin adhesive

The use of cyanoacrylates in adhesive wound closures in clinics has become very common during the last decades. They are especially used as cutaneous closure of low-tension lacerations in children and adults. Apart from its use in topical skin adhesives cyanoacrylates are commonly used in cosmetic products but also in dentistry, visceral and vascular surgery. Despite its regularly use, documentation of allergic reactions are rare. We refer to a 4 year old bilateral Cochlea Implant user, who had to undergo revision surgery of the left Cochlea Implant. Three days after surgery the child presented at the hospital with a retroauricular eczematous exanthema, suspicious of a wound infection. In the assumption of a wound infection, it was treated with antibiotic therapy first. After a suspected allergic reaction to the used skin adhesive the therapy was extended by an antiallergic therapy. Hereunder, the patient recovered quickly from the skin lesions so that an allergic reaction to the skin adhesive can be considered most likely. In agreement with the dermatologists and pediatric allergologists we did not perform an epicutanous testing in order to prevent further sensitization.

Due to the widespread use of cyanoacrylate-containing products, the possibility of a sensitization should always be considered. In case of suspected sensitization a conventional skin seam should be carried out.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)