How to Get Super Glue Off Skin

I have always had a bad experience whenever I use super glue. No matter how hard I try to be careful, some amount of this super glue manages to stick to my skin. Super glue is a fast drying adhesive that can stick virtually anything and everything. Like that one old incident where I somehow managed to stick my fingers on the dining table. I looked quite funny standing near the table all evening, while my sister tried her best to get me free!

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 the nail polish remover will help dissolve super glue sticking on your skin. The first thing to do is soak the bonded area of your skin in warm water, vinegar and soap. Rub the glue gently with your fingers trying to soften the hardened adhesive. Do not pull out the glue, or you might end up tearing your skin. After you feel adhesive is soft enough, remove your hand or skin part from water. Dry with a clean towel and apply nail polish remover that contain acetone.

Acetone is a sworn enemy that will help in removing super glue. You apply acetone and rub it on your skin. It may stink a little, but it will help you loosen the glue. Do not expect instant results. You may have to apply acetone for several hours 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 your skin. This will help prevent drying of skin due to acetone and sooth the skin.

Some Other Un-sticky Ideas

If you cannot find acetone around, you can try other ways to get super glue off skin. You can soak your hands in warm water, vinegar and soap. Continue to rub it till the glue softens. Then, apply margarine over the area and rub repeatedly for removing super glue off the skin. Then, use a nail emery board to scrub the glue off your skin. Or else, you can try using a pumice stone to scrap 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 to some extent helps. But, keep in mind, some of these ways may irritate your skin.

I have learned my lesson and always make it a point to wear rubber or latex gloves before handling super glue. You can also apply some hand moisturizing lotions on your hand as it will not allow super glue to stick easily on skin. Acetone by far has been proven to be the best way to get super glue off skin. Try it and you may get super glue off skin to some extent. Within a day or two, super glue will come off your skin on its own. If it does not or gets into your eyes, call your doctor immediately.

WARNING
Do not use cotton buds or cotton balls. Super glue contains cyanoacrylate that undergoes an exothermic reaction with cotton. It will, therefore, burn your skin when rubbed vigorously with cotton.