Bandages serve an important function: they protect the skin from germs and dirt to allow for a safer and speedier recovery. If you have ever removed bandage tape and noticed the sticky and unsightly residue it can leave behind, however, you may try to avoid using bandages whenever possible. Adhesive residue can be extremely difficult to remove, and normal bathing rarely does the trick. Fortunately, a few things you can try at home may make removing adhesive from skin painless and effortless.
Step 1
Wash the adhesive off your skin using warm water and a mild soap before trying something else. You may need to repeat this several times before your skin is completely free of adhesive.
Step 2
Wet the end of a cotton swab with baby oil or olive oil. Gently rub the swab back and forth over the adhesive several times. Wipe the oil off using a soft towel or washcloth. The adhesive should rub off along with the oil.
Step 3
Soak a cotton ball with isopropyl rubbing alcohol and place it against the adhesive for 15 seconds. Gently rub the cotton ball over the sticky area, then rinse with water. Rubbing alcohol on the skin can cause irritation in sensitive people, according to the Mayo Clinic, especially when used in combination with soaps or other skin care products.
Step 4
Use an adhesive removal pad on the sticky area of skin if other methods are unsuccessful. You can purchase nonirritating adhesive removal pads at most pharmacies and medical supply stores.
Tips and Warnings
- Cut away as much of a bandage as possible, using medical scissors, if any of it remains stuck to your skin. Then soak the affected area in a solution of salt and warm water. After a few minutes, you should be able to pull away the remaining bandage pieces.
Things You'll Need
- Cotton swabs
- Baby oil
- Cotton balls
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Adhesive remover pads
