I have a thumb laceration with dermabond/glue on it that is turning white.?

Question

In a freak bathroom accident yesterday, I lacerated my right thumb @ the thumbprint and the base of my left thumb. The left was not as bad and just bandaged. The right, however, was pretty nasty and the ER attending put on derma glue-bond. She stated if she did stitches, the most I would need is 2-3 for the deepest areas- so she just used the glue. It was ok yesterday- covered it with gauze- but today it is throbbing again, and the area of the laceration is turning a white color. and it is definately swollen. Is this normal for this glue stuff???

Answer 1

Yes, it is normal.  I just had (2 weeks ago) a laceration @ top of wrist to right under my thumb  YOUCH!!!!  I did nt want to go to the hospital on a Saturday night, so I blew it off. I had no choice but to go on Sunday morning-and they said I could have used 5-6 stiches- but they just put the dermabond on it.  It throbbed like a mother for 3 days-  the first day was ok- then it did turn white/then yellowish. Not the infected yellowish-but the healing-ready to start to scab yellow.  Must have hit a nerve-cuz it is sort of numb and still, occasionally throbs.I called the ED- and they said the turning color was normal from the glue.  So-unless it gets really red, draining a pus like substance, gets really red and or warm- you should be ok.  If it starts to look at all infected-or the throbbing does not get better or gets worse-call your Dr., or return to the ED.  I also kept mine covered with 2 gigantic band-aids and that self stick brown gauze- but left it open at night.  Don't ya hate it when these freak things happen???  Good luck..AND WATCH FOR SIGNS OF INFECTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!                 PS...  Wash it every day-very gently with an antibiotic gentle soap, or phisohex cleanser, pat dry- and do not re-cover it till totally dry.