Although many objects can be repaired with it, it often happens that people have to remove superglue from their skin. A quick DIY project or fun afternoon of crafting can turn into a major hassle if it causes your fingers to stick together. However, home remedies such as warm soapy water, nail polish and oil can help get rid of the sticky substance. Here are some of the most common remedies and methods that you can try yourself in such a situation.
When you need to remove stuck superglue from skin
The key component in superglue called cyanoacrylate is not harmful except for allergic reactions. This is an acrylic resin that can form a strong bond between two surfaces. This happens when the molecules in theresin with moisturereact and form tight chains. The reaction produces heat, so bonding occurs almost instantaneously. While quick adhesion is great, it also means that the adhesive sometimes ends up on surfaces, skin and fabrics where it's not wanted. Luckily, there are several products you probably already have in your home that can remove superglue from skin and release it from various surfaces.
Before you start cleaning
A number of common home remedies can usually remove superglue from theRemove skin. Small affected areas may even resolve on their own. Depending on the size of the affected skin area, natural remedies could also be used. However, if these don't work, you could try acetone or a store-bought remover. There are usually several safety precautions to take when working with superglue and trying to get it off your skin.
It's usually better to let superglue dry first before attempting to clean it from any surface. If you wipe it while wet, the adhesive will smear or penetrate deeper into the fabrics. However, this does not always apply to the skin. After using any of the following methods to remove such adhesives, be sure to wipe yourself with a clean, damp cloth and then wash your hands thoroughly. Test each of the listedRemoval methodsAlways apply superglue in an inconspicuous area to ensure that the cleaning product does not cause additional damage.
Follow simple steps and remove superglue from skin
If your fingers are stuck together or your skin is stuck to something else, the first thing you should do is not panic. You can usually get rid of glue quickly with simple steps followed in a timely manner. Additionally, superglue is a strong adhesive that is useful for a variety of jobs. However, its viscous texture makes hair, skin, and nails quite susceptible to sticky mishaps. The following cleaning techniques should help against this.
Soak affected skin area in warm, soapy water
If the superglue is not completely dry, soaking the affected area in warm, soapy water can help. Fill a bowl or bucket with very warm, but not boiling, water and soap or dish soap. First, soak the affected area. Once the glue is soft, rub it gently in a rotating motion and peel it away from the skin. Do not continue if it is painful or looks like it might tear the skin. Do not use tissues or paper towels as the substance can cause them to stick to the skin.
If skin sticks to another object or a finger sticks to another finger, first soak the area in warm, soapy water. Then carefully try to separate the object from the skin using a blunt object. Do this in a rolling or peeling motion rather than trying to pull the skin apart if it hurts. Be careful not to damage the surface of the skin.
Use nail polish remover or acetone
Nail polish remover with acetone usually works well as a home remedy, but it could damage the skin. Additionally, acetone-based products can remove superglue from the skin, but they leave the affected area dry, cracked, and irritated. So before you try this, make sure you use a product that won't cause a chemical reaction. Several chemicals and even certain substances can react with the ingredients in superglue and cause chemical burns or dangerous fumes. Additionally, avoid hydrogen peroxide, cotton swabs, or cotton wool if possible.
Pour the nail polish remover into a bowl and soak the skin. Continue soaking the skin area until the adhesive bond dissolves. Acetone is potentially toxic and can dry and irritate skin, so it's important to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. People with eczema or dry skin may also notice irritation and dryness after using the substance, so use a gentle moisturizer until the skin improves. However, do not use acetone on broken skin as it can burn and cause further complications. Furthermore, the use of acetone inside the body, such as in the nose or mouth, can be toxic. Nail polish remover that contains acetone is available at many grocery stores, pharmacies, and online.
Could plant oils remove superglue from skin?
Butter and oils such as coconut or olive oil can help separate fingers that are stuck together with superglue. Try soaking the skin in warm water first, then rubbing oil or butter on the superglue to break the bond. Apply more oil and massage the area until the glue is gone. Any type of vegetable oil and even peanut butter can help loosen superglue from skin and hard surfaces such as plastic, countertops and laminate floors. Spread it out and use a plastic scraper to loosen the spilled glue. Work slowly and patiently, repeating the steps until the glue is removed.
Scrub the affected skin area with pumice stone
A pumice stone can remove calluses and dead skin and help remove dried adhesive residue. However, avoid using it on sensitive skin or your face. To gently rub off the superglue with a pumice stone, again first soak the area in warm, soapy water and then immerse the stone in warm water. Rub the pumice stone in circular motions on the affected area of skin until the glue is gone. If this causes pain or discomfort, try one of the other methods. Pumice stones can be found in many health food stores, pharmacies and online retailers.
Use lemon juice or vinegar against superglue on the skin
Although it's not as effective as acetone, the acidic nature of distilled white vinegar will also break down the bonds of superglue. Blot the area with a cotton ball soaked in vinegar. Then leave it on for a few minutes and rinse. Use your fingernail or the edge of a credit card as a gentle scraper to loosen the glue. Lemon juice is also a more natural substitute for acetone. The acid helps break the adhesive bonds. To do this, dip an old toothbrush in freshly squeezed lemon juice and scrub the area affected by the glue. The glue should begin to flake and can be safely scraped off with a fingernail or plastic edge.
A nail file also provides a gentle abrasion to remove superglue from skin, nails, and hard surfaces such as metal and wood. Use a light touch to avoid damage to the skin and original surfaces.
Safety tips and possible risks
- Avoid inhaling the glue as this could cause lung, nerve and brain damage.
- Superglue should also not get in the eyes, on the eyelids or in the mouth. If someone swallows superglue, have them rinse their mouth, call a doctor, or go straight to the emergency room.
- Contact between superglue and ovens, hair dryers and hot surfaces is also not recommended. Some types of superglue can be flammable, so never use a lighter or match to attempt to burn superglue off skin. If you have superglue on your skin, you should keep the affected area away from heat sources.
- Do not peel superglue directly from your skin. This can cause the skin to peel or break. If the skin tears, do not use chemicals to remove the superglue.
- If the superglue caused a burn or wound, keep the area clean and apply an antibiotic ointment. These small injuries almost always heal on their own, but if it is very painful, red, or swollen, see a doctor.
- Superglue can also cause allergic reactions in some people. These can cause hives or symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis. Anyone who experiences symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a sudden rash or difficulty breathing, should go to the emergency room. This can be a sign of life-threatening anaphylaxis.
- If the superglue doesn't come off with soap, oil, or acetone and it doesn't bother you, wait a few days. As the skin peels off naturally, the glue comes off too.
