Removing Adhesive from Skin

Many a time, adhesive sticks on your skin and it becomes really difficult to get rid of it. You might just try washing it off with soap and water, but it is of no use. Further, you might just leave it as it is and it will be cleaned on its own as days pass on. Superglue is one of the strongest adhesives that bonds very fast and is very difficult to clear.

You might accidentally get your fingers glued to each other with this or any other type of glue. Also, adhesive tapes might leave that sticky substance on your skin. So, if you are wondering how to remove this adhesive from your skin, here are some ways you can try out.

You will need petroleum jelly and a nail filer having a fine grit for this task. Alternatively, you can also use a lip balm that contains petroleum jelly. Apply and massage it on your skin for about two minutes. Now, just hold the file in your hand and start rubbing it over the affected skin gently.

This will remove the adhesive, and the petroleum jelly will help protect your skin from further damage.

Warm compress is very useful in removing bandage adhesive. Apply a warm compress all over the bandage for about 30 seconds. Now, slowly remove it and clean the skin with some warm water. If you don't want the wound to get wet, then blow hot air from a hair dryer over the bandage for a minute and slowly remove it.

Take some nail polish remover and start working on this simple procedure for removing adhesive. Dab it on the adhesive left over your skin using a cotton ball. You can see the glue softening. Now, immediately wipe it off with another cotton ball. Further, brush it with an old toothbrush, if required. Make sure you do not try this on wounded or sensitive skin.

You can take some vegetable oil on a washcloth. Now, rub the area of skin over which the adhesive is left for a few minutes. You can also apply almond oil, olive oil, or baby oil instead of vegetable oil.

Apply it in the same way as mentioned above for vegetable oil and then wipe it off. Alcohol instantly dissolves the adhesive and gives you relief from stickiness.

You can simply go to a pharmacy and ask for adhesive removal pads for removing the adhesive residue. These are available in various brands. These wipes are easy way to clean your skin in case any of the above things are not available.

So, these were some ways of removing adhesive from skin. Instead of doing this irritating task, you can take precautions to avoid this problem altogether. Applying vegetable oil over your hands before you work with such glues that might get stuck on your skin is a good idea.

In serious cases, like the adhesive sticking on to lips, eyelids, etc., it is best to take the person to a doctor.