How To Remove Super Glue From The Skin?

It is unlikely that someone does not know the powerful and instant glue that bonds almost everything. Its cyanoacrylate formula is sold as a solution to more than one household task. However, when handling it, there is a risk that it may come into contact with your fingers, for example. How to remove Super Glue from the skin?

This highly effective adhesive has its years. It was known about him during World War II, in 1942, when Harry Coover occupied the formula in the construction of telescopic sights for rifles of the military.

His experiment did not turn out the way he wanted, as the cyanoacrylate mixture adhered quite quickly and strongly. This was not convenient, since what the substance touched was impossible to take off. It was also tested in the cockpits of fighter jets, but the sticky and slimy glue once again ruled out its use on the battlefield.

Promotion and common use of Super Glue

In 1951, supervising at Eastman Kodak the creation of a polymer that would withstand high temperatures, Coover exploited the great utility of the glue that worked when combined with a few drops of water, even from ambient humidity.

At first, he called it the Eastman 910, but later it morphed into what we know as Super Glue . People learned of the “magic adhesive” on television shows such as I’ve Got a Secret (1959) , where Coover showed its effects and impressed audiences.

Apart from joining surfaces (plastic, glass, metal, ceramic, leather and others), the invention finally had a benefit in the military area, since it glued parts of the human body affected during armed confrontations. In medicine, it is a pioneer in the closure of external wounds. At present they sell it all over the world; its effectiveness is such that thousands have it in their home medicine cabinets.

What effects does Super Glue have on the skin?

No matter how quickly you try to peel off the skin in contact with the adhesive, it is possible that it will tear or, in the worst case, suffer a burn. These injuries are known as “chemical burns”, which are rare, but require specific primary care. They can also be triggered by using sprays, dyes, etc.

Although its damage is not long-lasting, the discomfort caused by dryness accelerates the need to clean the damaged area to restore softness. Washing with water solves it; Still, you can wait for the glue to dissolve on its own. But if you notice a strange reaction in the process, it is essential to see a doctor.

How to remove Super Glue from the skin?

There are several tricks to cleaning Super Glue from your skin. One of the most common is to apply nail polish remover to the affected area. After a few minutes, the glue will turn whitish and peel off. However, once the process is finished, it is important to rinse and hydrate the area.

Note: Remember that nail polish remover is not suitable for sensitive parts of the body.

How to remove it from the mouth?

You probably did not know that the secret to removing Super Glue from your mouth is in warm water. While wetting your lips, try to separate them little by little. Avoid opening abruptly. Saliva helps. This technique works, but if it doesn’t work, go to the doctor.

Tea bags are recommended on the lips affected with the superglue. Put them warm, several times, to speed up the process. eye! Be careful not to swallow the peeled adhesive; do not bite trying to solve, much less rip to separate.

How to remove it from the hair?

If it falls on the hair, do not panic, do not cut it. In this case, the remedy is simpler. Wash with the commonly used shampoo and conditioner, emphasizing the damaged area. Then, use a fine-tooth comb to detangle and remove product residue. It is most useful if you leave the conditioner in for several minutes.

Hair oils also take off, provided they are combined with a warm dryer to air the lock. Almonds, olive and orange are recommended.

Parts of the body most affected by this product

Manufacturers of Super Glue have designed containers for vertical use, in order to avoid accidents of glued skins. However, this happens and the parts of the body most affected are the following:

• Eyelids: If a drop falls and sticks them, wash immediately with warm water and cover with a gauze patch.
• Inside the eye: after adhering to the protein in the eyeball, it will take a few hours to detach; but it causes double vision and crying.
• Nails: it happens especially when using the glue without gloves, during precision work. Soak them for a few minutes in warm soapy water.
• Ears and nose: massage with moisturizer or baby oil. The effectiveness depends on the amount of glue that came into contact with the skin.

Other options available

As not everything is water or nail polish remover in an accident with instant glue, there are several alternatives. Take note of the options discussed below.

• WD-40 – Works by pressing a paper towel filled with this penetrating oil onto bonded skin.
• Lip balm: its softening properties release stuck parts.
• Vegetable oil: impregnate a cloth or paper towel and rub the joined skin until it is separated.
• Body cream or lotion: Rub the stuck area for a few minutes. It will be enough to release it.
• Vaseline or silicone: they have a double function, because at the same time that they remove the cyanoacrylate compound, they moisturize the dermis.
• Orange jelly: being citric, its acids favor the intention of removing Super Glue from the skin.
• Glue cleaner: it is possible to find specialized products to undo the adhesive effect.

The evolution of Super Glue made it an almost indispensable tool in the home, work, industry and medicine. Hence the latent risk of suffering claims, not serious, but unpleasant.

Nobody wants to spend hours, let alone days, with pieces of their skin stuck together; not with the scratchy feeling left by the powerful glue.

For this reason, to prevent accidents with the «magic adhesive», it is recommended to use, as far as possible, gloves and glasses. Likewise, it must be kept out of the reach of children. Keep that in mind!