Peeling a patch from your skin can be painful, and having to deal with annoying sticky residue only makes the experience even more unpleasant. Fortunately, there are many ways to remove these sticky residues. Whichever method is used, it is important to apply only light pressure, so as not to risk damaging the underlying skin. Any gesture aimed at scraping or rubbing the glue residues could in fact also affect the skin. Different adhesive products react to different treatments, so don't be discouraged if your first attempt is unsuccessful. With a little time and effort, you should be able to remove those unwanted residues.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Simple Homemade Methods
Step 1. Soak the part in warm water
Generally, heat and humidity tend to make adhesive residues from patches more vulnerable. A convenient way to soak the glue-stained part in hot water is to take a bath or shower. The adhesive residue may come off on its own, otherwise you will have to lightly rub the leather with a soft or slightly abrasive cloth.
If you don't have time to take a bath or shower, simply fill a basin with hot water, then submerge the affected area of skin. For an ideal result, it would be advisable to soak the part for a long time, so that the glue has time to soften. Try this remedy while reading a book or watching television
Step 2. Use cooking oil
A few drops of olive or seed oil can help you remove sticky residue from the skin. Some types of glue are fat-soluble, others tend to lose adhesion when the oil seeps between the adhesive and the skin.
For excellent results, gently massage the oil onto the affected area of skin with a soft cloth or cotton swab. It is not necessary to use a large amount of it, your goal is to coat the skin with a thin layer of oil, not to impregnate it. Wait a few moments for the oil to penetrate deeply, then gently scrub the area with a soft cloth or cotton swab. Repeat until you are able to remove any remaining adhesive
Step 3. Remove adhesive residue with ice
Wrap an ice cube in kitchen paper to prevent it from sticking to your skin, then leave it on top of the adhesive for about five minutes. The cold will cause the glue to become brittle, favoring its detachment.
Method 2 of 3: Using Skin Cosmetics
Step 1. Treat adhesive residues with baby oil
Baby oil works using the same principles as cooking oil, dissolving the glue or helping it to detach from the skin. As an added benefit, most baby oils are designed to be particularly gentle, making this method ideal for those with sensitive skin.
- Most baby oils are simple mineral oils to which a small amount of perfume has been added. If you wish, you can use a pure mineral oil, sometimes even saving a little money.
- If you are looking to remove sticky residue from a child's skin, try adding a drop of food coloring to the oil, then use it as a paint gouache. The color will provide the child with a fun distraction while the oil will remove the adhesive.
Step 2. Apply a gentle moisturizing lotion
Since most lotions are based on oils or lipids (fats), you can use them to remove glue residue from your skin, just like you would a cooking or baby oil. Massage a small amount of the cream into the affected area, then let it sit for several minutes before scrubbing the skin with a soft cloth or cotton swab.
Fragrance-free moisturizers are the ideal choice. The chemicals used to give cosmetics a scented scent can in fact cause ailments such as pain, irritation or skin rashes
Step 3. Use a warm compress in combination with baby oil, moisturizer, or cooking oil
Since heat melts most of the glues used in the composition of the patches, you can use it to increase the effectiveness of the chosen product. If you used plain hot water, you would risk washing off the oil or cream, so the best thing to do is make a hot compress.
- To create a warm compress, pour uncooked rice into a terry sock, filling it almost completely. Tie a knot at the top of the sock to close it tightly. Heat the sock in the microwave at 30-second intervals; for an effective result it must be hot, but not hot, so that it can be handled. Place the hot compress on the sticky residue after applying the oil or cream.
- If you are concerned about greasing the sock, place a rag between the compress and the skin.
Method 3 of 3: Using Chemicals
Step 1. Use denatured alcohol
Commonly used for house cleaning, denatured alcohol is cheap and readily available. Rubbing it on adhesive residues is a very effective way to remove them. Apply a small amount using a cotton swab or cotton swab, wait a few moments, then gently scrub the area to remove the glue.
Alcohol can dry out and irritate the skin, especially in areas where it is more delicate, such as the face. Use only a few drops at a time; it also lets some time pass between applications
Step 2. Use nail polish remover
The active ingredient in most nail polish removers is acetone, which is a chemical solvent. Acetone can also dissolve many of the most common adhesive products. Rub a small amount on the affected area of skin, then let it sit for a few moments before rubbing it again to remove the glue residue. Always be careful not to apply too much pressure.
- Acetone can cause the same side effects as alcohol, drying and irritating the skin, so take similar precautions.
- If you can find it, pure acetone acts exactly like nail polish remover.
- Be very careful when using pure acetone, as it is highly flammable it should not be used in conjunction with heat.
- Lacking the required solvent, nail polish removers that do not contain acetone are unable to remove the sticky residue of a patch from the skin.
Step 3. Use petroleum jelly
Vaseline, or petrolatum or petroleum gel, acts just like a common oil or cream, so it is effective for removing the glue of a patch from the skin. Being very dense, it is also easier to leave it on for a long time (although its greasiness may be unwelcome to some). Simply spread it thinly over the affected area, then let it sit undisturbed for about 5-10 minutes. After the necessary time has elapsed, remove it by rubbing the skin with a soft cloth or paper tissue.
Step 4. Buy a specific product at the pharmacy
On the market there are special products designed to remove the adhesive residues of the patches from the skin. They are usually sold in the form of sprays or wet wipes. Although this is a slightly more expensive and difficult to find solution than previous methods, it is highly effective.
You should be able to buy these types of products at any pharmacy. If not, you can search online. Prices vary from product to product, but are normally between 10 and 25 euros per pack
Step 5. After using a chemical, rinse the part with soap and water
Many chemicals (especially denatured alcohol, acetone, and some glue solvents from drugstore patches) can irritate your skin if they remain in contact with them for too long. To avoid this, remember to wash the part with soap and water after each application. In addition to completely removing them from the skin, you will reduce the risk of irritation.
If you can't remove all the glue residue in one go, consider waiting a day before using a harmful chemical on your skin again. The break will give her time to rest and recover. Alternatively, alternate the use of a chemical substance with that of a more delicate product
Advice
- Don't rush, the adhesives contained in the patches will dissolve and disappear on their own over time.
- Sometimes denatured alcohol is also available in convenient disposable disinfectant wipes; look for them in the pharmacy or in the department dedicated to first aid products in the supermarket.
Warnings
- When used on sensitive skin or wounds, denatured alcohol and nail polish remover will cause burning.
- Denatured alcohol could damage delicate fabrics. Be careful to apply it only to skin affected by adhesive residues, also throw away the disinfectant wipes properly.
