Super Glue on Skin: Quick Fixes and What Not to Do

I still remember last summer vacation when I accidentally got super glue on my hands while working on a DIY flower vase. Never in my life before did I feel this stuck and annoyed. 

However, I know I'm not the only one. All of us can relate to this problem. The good news is that there are some painless methods to get super glue off the skin. I tried a few methods and telling you about the effective ones in this blog. 

Superglue is one of the strongest adhesives that can be your best friend for DIY projects and quick fixes. It is really powerful and can seal a variety of materials, including plastic, rubber, wood, and others. 

The best part? Once sealed, superglue doesn't allow materials to let each other go. The same advantage can be risky at times. One wrong move, and boom, this super-strong adhesive can bond your skin layers together. But you can still get rid of super glue in a few easy steps. 

How to Get Super Glue Off Skin: Easy App 

If your skin is stuck in superglue, don't panic. Superglue contains cyanoacrylate, which isn't harmful to the skin except to individuals prone to allergies. Moreover, cyanoacrylate isn't totally impenetrable and even dissolves on its own after a few days. 

But here are the steps that you can follow to remove superglue from the skin immediately. 

If the glue is still slightly sticky, soak the affected skin in warm water to loosen its effects. For greater results, you can also add liquid soap to lukewarm water. 

Step 1: Gently rub the affected area in a slow circular motion for several minutes.  

Step 2: Try to peel off the glue slowly every few minutes to weaken the grip. 

Step 3: Repeat the steps several times until all the glue is gone. 

Acetone, or nail paint remover, is available in almost every household. Guess what? It is also a popular solvent that can break super glue, which is why nail artists also use it to remove press-on extensions. 

Step 1: Apply acetone through cotton pads or a dropper to the affected skin area. 

Step 2: Leave for a while, and then gently try peeling off the glue. 

Step 3: After use, remember to moisturize the area thoroughly. 

Friendly Advice: Don't repeat it multiple times, as acetone can dry out your skin. 

Another way to remove superglue from the skin is to lubricate the affected surface to reduce friction. For this purpose, you may choose between a skin-friendly oil (coconut or olive), petroleum jelly, or moisturizer. 

Step 1: Rub the lubricant on the affected region. 

Step 2: Soak it in lukewarm water for a while. 

Step 3: Oil or solvents soften the adhesive, reducing the stringent bond and making it easier to peel off the skin. 

If the super glue has become extremely dry or firm, you might not be able to peel it off with a gentle approach. In that case, you can scrape it off using a pumice stone. However, be gentle while scrubbing so that you don't hurt yourself. Here's what you need to do: 

Step 1: First, soak the affected skin for a while in warm, soapy water. 

Step 2: Then, wet a pumice stone and rub it gently on the glued area in a circular motion. 

Step 3: Repeat the steps until the glue comes off and then moisturize your skin. 

Pro tip: If you don't have a pumice stone at home, you can also use sandpaper. 

Though a few people know it, there are super glue removers available on the market. In extreme cases, you may buy one from online or local stores. However, using super glue remover is risky, and you need to follow caution: 

Now, you know what to do to peel super glue off your skin. However, what about the things that you shouldn't do? 

Things Not to Do While Removing Super Glue from the Skin 

People often panic while getting superglue off their skin. They often follow steps that further trigger the injury. While removing strong adhesive from your skin, here are a few things that you must avoid at every cost: 

Final Takeaway 

While superglue is a fundamental favorite, particularly for DIY enthusiasts, it can be troublesome at times. A wrong move can cause it to adhere to the delicate skin surface, causing pain and irritation. 

In such a situation, hold tight your patience! Super glue doesn't cause any lasting damage. Moreover, even if you don't do anything, it will dissolve on its own within a few days. 

If you want to speed up the process, the above guide will help you a lot. In severe circumstances or confusion, don't hesitate to seek a doctor's guidance. For more articles regarding health and wellness, don't forget to subscribe to Wellness Extract. 

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q1. How to get super glue off your skin faster?