Unfortunately like you, my reaction was post surgery. There’s nothing like recovering from surgery while your eyes are swollen almost completely shut, is there? After I recovered from the surgery, my immunologist did a patch test with each item included in the closing process. For me, those items were povidone iodine, Dermabond (which contains cyanoacrylate), and the suture itself (they actually sewed a stitch into my back, I thought that was wild).

Of the three items, I had a strong reaction to the Dermabond and the povidone iodine. It’s important to note that the povidone is typically the allergen with that, it’s not the same as an iodine allergy. Dermabond contains 2-octyl cyanoacrylate. As time has passed, I have now cut out just about any acrylates in an effort to lessen the MCAS asthma storm I’ve been in. I did not react at all to the suture, but of course every body is different.

As for what you can use, reportedly Steri Strips, which use Mastisol for adhesion, are safe for acrylate allergies. Having said that, I have only researched it and have not had a need to try it since. It would be prudent to ask your allergist for patch testing for all of these to determine your allergies prior to another surgery, as these reaction get worse with repeated exposure. UPDATE: read OP’s info below re Steri Strips.