How to Remove Super Glue from Your Skin

If you have ever used an instant bonding glue, most commonly referred to as super glue, then you have more than likely experienced getting some of the super sticky stuff on your skin. Once super glue comes in contact with your skin it dries almost instantly, producing a rough-textured place on your skin, impairing your sense of touch. While the super glue will come off with time (and several showers) it is very annoying as you wait. I once thought that the only fast fix for removing super glue from skin was actually removing the skin itself, as I gnawed off little bits of the skin on my fingertips just to remove the annoying feeling of super glued skin. I have since discovered an alternate method for removing super glue from the skin that is also very quick, but much safer.

Materials Needed. In order to remove super glue from your skin you will need put together a few materials. You will need a lip balm that contains petroleum (Vaseline is a common brand) and a fine grit emery board or fingernail file (not metal). Do not choose a fingernail file with a very coarse grit.

Procedure. To remove super glue from your skin, first massage the petroleum based lip balm into the skin for about one minute. Once the skin is completely saturated with the lip balm, you are ready for your fingernail file. Using very gentle pressure, begin rubbing the super glued area with the fingernail file. The lip balm will help to protect your skin from damage as you file and will also help the super glue adhesive to start to roll off of the skin. Patiently rub with the gentle pressure until the super glue is removed from your skin.

Helpful Tips. This method for removing super glue from the skin works best for tougher areas of the skin such as fingertips (the most common place to get super glue on the skin). If you get super glue on a part of your body that is more sensitive, or one that is hairy, this method may be a little painful! Be sure the grit on your fingernail file is very fine. A coarse grit may cause damage to your skin and leave the area once covered with super glue raw and sensitive.

There aren't many things in life more annoying than having dried super glue stuck on your fingertips. Try this simple and effective method for removing super glue from the skin and never be stuck with that annoyance again.