Using Household Super Glue on Minor Cuts, Nicks and Scrapes
A few good thoughts today from our good friend, Judy Larson.
Our hands are essential to our jewelry making. I know I do not take care of mine as well as I should so even though I use lots of moisturizing lotion, treatment gloves at night, etc., the skin on the tips of my pointer fingers and thumbs cracks during the winter because it is so dry.
Also, working with fabric, paper or wood is extremely drying on my hands out as well. It then becomes painful and difficult to work on any project that requires fine hand work. And don't get me started on all the nicks, scrapes and cuts that happen in the studio.
Our hands are essential to our jewelry making. I know I do not take care of mine as well as I should so even though I use lots of moisturizing lotion, treatment gloves at night, etc., the skin on the tips of my pointer fingers and thumbs cracks during the winter because it is so dry.
Also, working with fabric, paper or wood is extremely drying on my hands out as well. It then becomes painful and difficult to work on any project that requires fine hand work. And don't get me started on all the nicks, scrapes and cuts that happen in the studio.
Instructions
In 1942, Dr. Harry Coover of Kodak Laboratories developed the forerunner of super glue-cyanoacrylates. He first demonstrated the bonding strength capabilities of super glue on "I've Got A Secret" in 1959. During the Vietnam War, field medics used super glue under battlefield conditions to stop bleeding and even close some wounds.
Over the years, I have found that if I use a nail file to smooth the area where the crack is appearing, the crack can lessen. I then disinfect the crack, cut or scrape, and then coat the area with a drop of super glue. It may sting a bit, but the area is sealed. I continue to file and super glue the area for a few days until crack is gone, compared to 7-10 days it took to heal before I started doing this.
Over the years, I have found that if I use a nail file to smooth the area where the crack is appearing, the crack can lessen. I then disinfect the crack, cut or scrape, and then coat the area with a drop of super glue. It may sting a bit, but the area is sealed. I continue to file and super glue the area for a few days until crack is gone, compared to 7-10 days it took to heal before I started doing this.
Disclaimer: The Mayo Clinic says that household super glue has been used to seal small cuts. But if you are injured, you should always seek medical attention first.
An antibacterial alternative to household super glue is Dermabond, available only by prescription. If you end up with lots of nicks and scrapes because of your jewelry work, it may be worth a trip to the doctor to obtain a prescription.
New Skin Liquid Bandage, which provides a tough, breathable, waterproof protective cover for hard-to-cover cuts and scrapes, is available over-the-counter at the drug store or grocery store and works pretty well. It does sting when you put it on like super glue, but you do not need a prescription for it.
An antibacterial alternative to household super glue is Dermabond, available only by prescription. If you end up with lots of nicks and scrapes because of your jewelry work, it may be worth a trip to the doctor to obtain a prescription.
New Skin Liquid Bandage, which provides a tough, breathable, waterproof protective cover for hard-to-cover cuts and scrapes, is available over-the-counter at the drug store or grocery store and works pretty well. It does sting when you put it on like super glue, but you do not need a prescription for it.
I'm sure we've all experienced a few nicks or cuts when creating our jewelry. Below is an option for any jewelry maker to help protect those fingers plus give you more grip while your working.
Finger Pro is the ultimate finger protection from cuts, burns and abrasions. Because Finger Pro is thin and tough, it allows the user to handle small articles much better than conventional cots or gloves. This unique tape sticks only to itself, not to your skin. Finger Pro breathes and actually enhances your grip and is easily removed when the work is done. Finger Pro costs the user just pennies per application. Available in 3/4 " and 1″ sizes.
Materials
Wire
Tools
Super New Glue
GLU-100.01
- GLU-100.01
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $1.97
- Gold Club Price: $1.48
Finger Pro Tape - 1
POL-255.00
- POL-255.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $2.95
- Gold Club Price: $2.21
Finger Pro Tape - 3/4
POL-250.00
- POL-250.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $2.27
- Gold Club Price: $1.70
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- Category: Tools
- Technique(s): Tools, General Education, Safety
Judy Larson
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