Dear Dr Gott: I have heard that surgeons are using Super Glue to close wounds in the operating room. Is this true? If it is, could I use it to close painful cracks in my heels and hands?

Reply: This is a common practice that has been used for a number of years; however, the product is not Super Glue. DermaBond contains a variety of components found in Super Glue and is approved for medical use. This clear epoxy resin sets in about three minutes and lasts up to ten days. It cannot take the place of sutures or staples in all cases and its uses are relatively restricted.

Complicated closures still require traditional stitches. DermaBond is noninvasive, painless, will not leave a scar, minimises the risk of infection, and doesn’t require a follow-up visit to a doctor for suture removal. I think sometimes we are in something resembling a time warp, because surgeons now use surgical paste, sealants made from human blood proteins and fibrin bandages. Aren’t research and necessity phenomenal?

Home-use tissue-adhesive products are available but should only be used on small lacerations once all contamination has been removed from a wound to prevent infection. I urge anyone with an open wound to consult a physician before taking matters (or glues) into their own hands.

Dear Dr Gott: I’ve had a sinus infection for the past eight years. I’ve had two unsuccessful sinus operations. I use a nasal steroid twice a day and a saline solution wash up my nose every day. I’ve had numerous antibiotics and still have the infection. I quit alcohol because my sinuses became more inflamed and swollen after drinking.

A medical professional recently told me that the alcohol causes a rise of white blood cells into the infected sinuses, and that is what causes the uncomfortable inflammation. If white blood cells fight infection, should I drink some liquor moderately as a possible tool to fight this chronic infection?

Reply: Alcohol prevents nutrients from feeding the immune system. Once in the blood, it will reduce the number and impair the function of the white blood cells (WBC) in the body. The lower the white-blood-cell count, the more difficult it becomes to fight off disease.

Low white blood counts can occur with acute bacterial or viral infection, in cases of pernicious anaemia, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, hormonal imbalances and alcoholism. Given the fact that alcohol decreases WBC, it would be futile for you to ingest any amount of alcohol in an attempt to raise your count and fight the sinusitis.

Because of the duration of your illness, you should be under the care of an ear-nose-and-throat (ENT) specialist who can determine whether it is caused by tooth infection, allergies, nasal polyps, a deviated septum or other medical condition. Perhaps you are unknowingly exposed to pollutants, such as tobacco smoke, cleaning solvents or chemical fumes.

If necessary, imaging studies such as CT or MRI might be appropriate. You might undergo allergy testing or nasal endoscopy. Get to the bottom of the problem.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report ‘Medical Specialists’. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped number ten envelope and a $2 cheque or money order made payable to Newsletter and mailed to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title.

Dr Peter H. Gott is a retired physician and the author of several books. His website is www.AskDrGottMD.com.