Super glue is a fast-drying adhesive that can stick virtually anything and everything. When it comes in contact with skin, it can be quite an irritant. To be able to deal with such a situation, go through the following article and learn the best way to get rid of it.
It is quite common to get super glue on the skin when working with it. While wearing latex gloves and other protective clothing is helpful to prevent such instances, it is not possible to do so for small jobs or chores. In these cases, when the adhesive does come in contact with your skin, it should be removed at the earliest. Here are some helpful ways to do so.
Useful Ways to Get Super Glue Off Skin
The best way to get super glue off skin is by using nail polish remover. The acetone present in it will dissolve the glue. The first thing to do is to soak the area in warm water, vinegar, and soap. Rub the glue gently with your fingers while trying to soften the hardened adhesive. Do not try to peel the glue, or you might end up tearing your skin. After you feel adhesive is soft enough, remove the affected part from water. Dry with a clean towel.
Acetone is a sworn enemy of super glue. Rub a little acetone-containing nail polish remover on your skin with the help of a soft cloth. It will help loosen the glue. Do not expect instant results. You may have to apply the remover repetitively depending on the amount of glue stuck to your skin. You can repeat the same steps 4 to 5 times, washing hands or skin with soap, vinegar, and water; then re-apply nail polish remover. Once the glue is off your skin, apply a moisturizer to the area. This will help prevent skin from drying due to acetone and will soothe it.
Some Other Un-sticky Ideas
If you cannot find acetone around, you can try other ways to rid your skin of super glue. You can soak the affected part of the skin in warm water, vinegar, and soap. Continue to rub it till the glue softens. Then, apply margarine over the area and rub thoroughly. Use a nail emery board to scrub the glue off your skin. Or else, you can try using a pumice stone to scrape off the glue. You can also try to apply 2 parts soft scrub or Ajax mixed with 1 part water and rub the area gently. Or you can mix sand with cooking oil and use it. Petroleum jelly helps to some extent. But, keep in mind, some of these ways may irritate your skin.
As mentioned earlier, whenever possible, wear rubber or latex gloves before handling super glue. You can also apply some moisturizing lotion on your skin before working with it as it will not allow it to stick easily to your skin. Acetone, by far, has been proven to be the best way to get super glue off skin. Try it and it may work to some extent. Normally, super glue starts peeling off the skin within a day or two. If it does not, or gets into your eyes, call your doctor immediately.
WARNING
Do not use cotton buds or cotton balls to remove super glue. Super glue contains cyanoacrylate that undergoes an exothermic reaction with cotton. It will, therefore, burn your skin when rubbed vigorously with cotton.