If you don’t have time to take a bath or shower, just fill a bowl or pan with warm water and soak the affected area. This works best if you can let the adhesive soak for a long time. Try this remedy while you’re reading or watching television.
For best results, work the oil into the affected area with a little gentle action from a soft rag or cotton swab. You don’t need much — your goal is to lightly coat the skin, not drench it. Let the oil soak for a moment or two before rubbing gently with a soft towel or cotton ball. Repeat as needed to get all the adhesive off.
Most baby oils are simply mineral oil with a small amount of scent added. You can use pure mineral oil as an alternative to baby oil — often, it is slightly cheaper. If you’re removing adhesive from a child’s skin, try adding a drop of food coloring to the baby oil and using it to “paint” the affected area. The oil will remove the adhesive and the coloring will provide a fun distraction.
Unscented lotions are best. The chemicals used for added fragrances can sometimes cause pain and rashes on irritated skin.
Try filling a tube sock most of the way with dry, uncooked rice. Tie a knot in the open end to keep the rice in. Microwave the compress in 30-second increments until it is warm, but not too hot to handle. Hold the compress over the adhesive as you let the oil or lotion soak in. Place a rag between the compress and the skin if you are worried about getting the sock greasy.
Rubbing alcohol can dry out and irritate skin, especially in delicate areas like the face. Use only a few drops at a time and allow your skin to rest between uses.
Acetone can have a similar drying or irritating effect on the skin as rubbing alcohol, so take similar precautions. If you can find it, pure acetone works just as well as nail polish remover. Exercise care in using acetone; it is a highly flammable substance and thus should not be used in combination with heat. [7] X Research source Avoid using non-acetone nail polish removers as they will not contain the solvent required to dissolve the bandage residue.
Petroleum jelly is very hydrating and won’t dry out your skin. [8] X Expert Source Mohiba Tareen, MDFAAD Board Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
You may be able to find these products at your local pharmacy. If not, a wide variety are available for order online. Prices vary from product to product but typically range between $10–$25 per bottle or package.
If you aren’t able to get all of the adhesive off your skin at once, consider waiting a day before you repeat use of a harsh chemical again. The break will give your skin a chance to rest and recover. Alternatively, combine a chemical treatment with one of the gentler solutions. Apply a moisturizer after washing with soap and water since soap can dry your skin out. [11] X Expert Source Mohiba Tareen, MDFAAD Board Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
