We all know for a fact that super glue is a household lifesaver, but dealing with super glue mishaps on your skin might feel like a nightmare. Whether it is a DIY project gone wrong or an nail accidental spill, just do not panic! It is always eminent to know how to remove super glue from skin. However, removing super glue from your skin is not as simpler as you think, yet later in this blog, you will learn the easier way to do it without using any fancy tools.
Here’s your ultimate, step-by-step guide to getting rid of that stubborn adhesive form skin safely in an effective way.
Why Does Super Glue Stick to Skin So Easily?
Before we decode the myth about removing super glue from skin, it is important to learn the basics about why super glue clings to skin like its life depends on it. Super glue, originally known as cyanoacrylate adhesive is designed to bond surfaces quickly and firmly. As soon as cyanoacrylate adhesive comes in contact with moisture such as natural oils and water on skin, it activates its bond to form a tough surface. As much as it is good for permenantly fixing any kind of materials, it is not ideal for human skin.
Since the skin naturally reconstructs new cells and releases oils, the bond is temporary. With the right tricks, you can safely break the bond and know the right way how to get super glue off skin without any harm.
A Guide On How To Remove Super Glue From Skin.
1. Do not Panic and Avoid Ripping It Off
Just like any other person panicking after a super glue mishap, the first instinct is to ripe the glue apart immediately. Avoid such impulses. Tears or irritation can be felt with tugging at bonded skin making the situation worse. Instead, take a deep breath and gather a few household items to work on softening the adhesive.
The important question is still unanswered i.e. what to do if two fingers are stuck together. First, slowly and gently roll the skin apart without pulling or yanking. If the bond still does not come apart after multiple attempts, either cases follow the rules below.
2. Wash the Area with Warm, Soapy Water
To learn how to remove super glue from skin, you need to use warm water. It helps to loosen the stickiness of super glue, while soap breaks down its bond on your skin. Therefore,
- Start by rinsing the affected area or stuck fingers under warm running water. Then, add a few drops of dish washing liquid or normal hand soap to create a lather.
- Take a bowl filled with warm water and soak the area for good 10 minutes. Gently rub your skin together or use a cotton pad to encourage the glue to loosen its grip.
- Yet, if this does not fully remove the glue, then you have just softened it enough to move to the next step.
3. Try Nail Polish Remover
So here’s how to remove super glue from skin using acetone, commonly known as a strong solvent for removing adhesives, especially when it comes on how to remove super glue off skin. Even if you have nail polish remover at home, you are already closer to solving the problem rapidly.
- Pour a generous amount of acetone or nail color remover onto a cotton swab.
- Dab it onto the glued area (if two surfaces are glued, then dab in the middle) being careful not to let it sit too long on unglued skin or else the cotton swab with stick with the adhesive as well.
- Let the acetone work its magic after 3 minutes (to be precised).
- Gently rub the area with your fingers or a soft cloth until the glue starts coming off bit by bit.
Pro Tip: As acetone also have drying capbilities, so make sure to wash the area thoroughly after using it. Follow up with a oil-based product to keep your skin soft and hydrated. If you feel any kind of irritation with nail remover or acetone, try washing again with warm water.
4. Use Petroleum Jelly or Oil-Based Serum
If your hands are still intact as complete super glue has not yet come off and cannot figure out how to remove super glue from skin then, here is anpther things you can try. Prefer a gentler approach such as oil-based products like petroleum jelly, baby oil, coconul oil or even olive oil can help you varying from skin type to type.
- Apply a generous layer of petroleum jelly or any oil you think goes well on your skin to the super glued area. The trick is the make the affected surface oily enough that it comes off smoothly.
- However, massage oil or petroleum jelly gently into your skin, focusing on area where skin is more corresive.
- Make sure to continue rubbing until you notice the glue starts to remove off skin and continue it for 2-3 minutes.
- Wash off the residue again with warm and soapy water.
This method works very well on sensitive skin, as it is less abrasive than acetone.
5. Exfoliate with Sugar or Salt
Still, if you are unable figure out how to remove super glue from skin, you can make a simple scrub using salt or sugar to exfoliate the affected area. Here’s a small recipe to your freedom:
- Mix a teaspoon of salt or sugar with a few drops of water or oil to create a cream paste for application.
- Gently rub the mixture onto the glued area in small circular motion. Do it for good 5 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and liquid soap once the glue starts to come off.
6. Lemon Juice for Natural Removal
Lemon juice contains natural citric acids that can help dissolve super glue subsctance without direct exposure of hazardous chemicals. It is also a great option for those with sensitive skin.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a bowl.
- Soak the glued area in the juice for 5-10 minutes.
- Use your fingers or a cloth to gently rub away the glue.
Note: For skin care, you may see some discoloration which lemon juice can help lighten left behind by the super glue.
How to Prevent Super Glue Mishaps?
As cliché as it sounds, prevention is always better than cure. Here are a few things that you can do to to minimize super glue incidents from happening in the first place:
- If you are using super glue directly, you must wear gloves.
- Instead of dierctly applying on broken area, use a toothpick, a stick or cotton swab to apply glue precisely.
- Keep a small bowl of soapy water nearby to rinse your hands within 3 seconds if glue spills. Remember the window is small, so you must act swiftly.
When to Seek a Medical Support?
Super glue incidents are quite common in every household and can be handled at home. Nevertheless, there are rare cases where you might need medical help. For instance,
- If the super glue has bonded your skin to a sensitive area (like eyes, ears or mouth).
- If there’s a lot of pain, swelling, or bleeding around the glued area.
- If you’re unable to remove the glue after trying all these steps mentioned above.
From soapy water to acetone and natural remedies like lemon juice, there’s a method for everyone to learn how to remove super glue from skin. Just remember to stay patient and gentle with your skin throughout the process.