By Peter Smith and James McGuire DPM, PT, CPed, FAPWHc

Marathon® Liquid Skin Protectant by Medline Industries, Inc. is a versatile non-stinging barrier film that provides protection for at-risk skin or damaged skin. Marathon® comes in single use applicator tubes that have a built-in sponge tip. Each tube contains enough liquid skin protectant to cover an area of 10cm². The barrier film created is breathable, flexible and durable relative to other liquid skin products.

The Science Behind Marathon® Liquid Skin Protectant

No Sting - The space-age monomer cyanoacrylate gives Marathon® distinct advantages over traditional solvent-based polymer barriers in addition to advanced skin protection. One of the most noticeable advantages for patients is the lack of "sting" when Marathon® is applied. Traditional liquid skin protectants typically were solvent-based. This solvent, when applied to compromised skin is what causes the "stinging."

Better Bonding – the smaller molecular size of the Marathon® monomers allows for a closer and more durable bond than traditional skin protectants which leave gaps between the skin and protective film. This increases the length of time Marathon® protects the skin, making reapplications less frequent. Another benefit comes in the form of protection from fluids including wound exudate and other bodily fluids.

Application and Uses of Marathon® Liquid Skin Protectant

Marathon® is applied as a liquid and dries in around a minute, creating a breathable and flexible film that lasts 24 to 72 hours (shorter if in a high-friction/high-moisture area, longer if applied to a less active area) and wears off naturally. It is recommended that the skin be prepped with a cleansing agent assuring no moisturizer or ointments remain before applying Marathon® at least 2cm beyond the affected area you wish to protect. The product also works best when applied in a thin coat so each applicator vial should cover an area of area of 10cm².

Practical applications for Marathon® Liquid Skin Protectant include:

• Friction - Apply to areas where skin is subject to breakdown (bony prominences, distal tips of toes, heel and heel fissures, etc.).
• Maceration – Apply to periwound area or under negative pressure therapy devices.
• Closed Wounds or Skin Tears – Apply to areas that have recently closed and are at risk for reopening such as pressure ulcers.
• Moisture Loss – Apply to superficial abrasions or blisters or other areas where moisture and epidermis are compromised.

Do not use it on deep, open/bleeding wounds, chronic wounds, second- or third-degree burns or infected areas.

Liquid Skin Protectant Research

Want to learn more about Marathon® Liquid Skin Protectant? Here are a few good articles:

• A Review of Cyanoacrylate Liquid Skin Protectant and Its Efficacy on Pedal Fissures
• Health economic benefits of cyanoacrylate skin protectants in the management of superficial skin lesions
• Evaluation of a cyanoacrylate protectant to manage peristomal skin irritation under ostomy skin barrier wafers

To learn more about this company and product visit http://www.woundsource.com/company/medline-industries-inc

About the Authors:
Peter E. Smith is a 4th year podiatry Student at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and Co-Owner of Podiatry Web Solutions LLC.

Dr. James McGuire is the director of the Leonard S. Abrams Center for Advanced Wound Healing and an associate professor of the Department of Podiatric Medicine and Orthopedics at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author, and do not represent the views of WoundSource, Kestrel Health Information, Inc., its affiliates, or subsidiary companies.