How To Get Krazy Glue Off Hands

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Super glue is a very strong glue. It can be difficult to remove from skin. Various household products, such as nail polish remover and petroleum jelly, can be used to remove super glue. While you can typically remove super glue from your hands and other areas with tougher skin, you should consult a doctor before attempting to remove the glue on your own if you got super glue on a sensitive area, like your lips or eyelids.

1
Select the right nail polish remover. Acetone is the substance in nail polish remover that helps dissolve super glue for removal. You need an acetone-based remover in order for this method to be successful.^[1]
- Check the ingredients label of your nail polish remover. Acetone should be listed here, usually towards the top of the list.
- If your nail polish remover does not have acetone, you can try another removal method, or you can purchase one that does contain acetone. Acetone-based nail polish remover is readily available in most department stores, or you can purchase straight acetone at your local home improvement store. Wear gloves and a mask while using the acetone.
2
Apply nail polish remover to the exposed skin. It's safe to use acetone-based remover on small patches of skin, but keep it away from your eyes and mouth. Apply the remover to the affected area with a cotton swab or paper towel.^[2]
- Nail polish remover can eat through the finish on tables and furniture. If you're working at a table, lay a protective covering down over the area. It's best to work over the sink.
- Do not use this method to remove super glue from sensitive areas like the eyelids and lips.
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3
Peel off the super glue after it dissolves. After a few minutes, you should notice the super glue is turning white and beginning to flake off the skin. You can now begin gently peeling the glue off the affected area. It should come off fairly easily at this point.^[3] ^[4]
- If the glue is not coming off easily, you can use a nail file to rub the glue off the skin. Be careful when working with a nail file, as you do not want to accidentally rub off a layer of skin. Stop if you start to feel pain.
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1
Wash the skin in warm, soapy water. Several applications of warm, soapy water can eventually get super glue off of the skin. You can use tap water and basic bathroom soap. Immerse the affected skin in a sink full of warm, soapy water.^[5]
- Try peeling the super glue off your skin after soaking it.
- If it does not come off the first time, you may have to wash the area a few more times. It may take a few attempts for super glue to be removed with soap and water.
2
Use petroleum jelly. Massaging your skin with petroleum jelly may remove super glue. It may also help prevent skin damage due to super glue exposure. If you don't have petroleum jelly in your cabinet, it can be purchased at most drugstores. Some lip balms also contain petroleum jelly. If you have lip balm on you, check to see if petroleum jelly is listed as an ingredient.^[6]
- Spend a couple of minutes massaging the affected skin with petroleum jelly.
- The super glue should begin to come off. Continue to massage until all the super glue flakes off.
- When you're done, you can wash your hands with soap and water to remove excess glue and petroleum jelly.
- You can also try scented orange jelly. The acids from the orange can help remove the glue.
3
Try vegetable oil. Apply vegetable oil to a cloth or a paper towel. Rub the affected skin with the cloth. Within a couple of minutes, super glue should begin to come off of your skin.^[7]
- If you do not have vegetable oil, almond oil and baby oil can be used instead.
4
Apply WD-40. WD-40 is a penetrating oil that can help your remove the super glue from your skin. If you have it on hand, try using it to remove the glue. Spray the oil onto a paper towel and then hold it against your skin for a few minutes. Remove the towel and see if you can peel off the super glue.
- You can also try a silicone-based cleaner.
5
Use hand lotion. Rub some hand lotion on your skin. Any lotion you have on hand should work. Keep rubbing until the super glue begins to peel off.^[8]
- Like petroleum jelly, hand lotion can also restore moisture to your skin. This will help prevent some potential damage from super glue exposure. If you're prone to dry skin, this may be a good method for you.
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Question

Will the nail polish remover make your skin dry?

Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.

Construction Professional

Expert Answer

Nail polish remover is drying for the skin. However, your skin will return to normal soon, especially if you apply a moisturising cream afterwards.
Question

Is super glue on your nails harmful?

Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.

Construction Professional

Expert Answer

It is not harmful on your nails. You can use superglue to repair a broken nail.
Question

I got superglue on my arm, which has hair and I tried peeling it but now it really hurts whenever I try a method. How can I get it out without it hurting?

Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.

Construction Professional

Expert Answer

Apply one of the products suggested to loosen the glue from your skin. Continue to apply the product until the glue comes off. If you are patient, the glue will eventually come off with the help of the product you chose.

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Super glue can be dangerous if it gets on sensitive areas. If you get super glue on your eyelids or lips, do not attempt to remove it on your own. Make an appointment with your physician to remove the glue instead.

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Article SummaryX

To easily get super glue off skin, start by washing your hands with warm soapy water, which will help loosen the glue. Then, rub some vegetable oil or petroleum jelly into your skin with a cloth until the glue comes off. You can also use lotion. If the super glue still won't come off, apply an acetone-based nail polish remover to the super glue and then peel the glue off once it dissolves. If you want to learn how to use WD-40 to remove super glue, keep reading the article!

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