Adhesive bandages are commonly applied after surgery to protect the wound while it's healing. You might be able to remove them yourself without assistance, depending on the doctor's recommendation. The adhesive on these bandages is particularly strong and is designed to stick to the skin even while wet. You can greatly reduce the pain caused by removing adhesive bandages by taking a few precautions.
Step 1
Wash your hands with antibacterial soap to help prevent an infection of any open wounds under the bandage.
Step 2
Cut as much of the visible adhesive at the edge of the bandage as you can with a pair of small scissors. Pull the bandage gently away from your skin to expose more adhesive. Continue alternately cutting the adhesive and pulling the bandage away until you have cut the entire bandage away from the adhesive.
Step 3
Remove the adhesive from skin that has hair. Soak a cotton swab in baby oil and moisten the adhesive. Pull the adhesive off in the direction of hair growth. Repeat as necessary.
Step 4
Loosen stubborn adhesive from scabs by soaking it. Mix 1 gallon warm water with 1 tsp. salt. Soak the adhesive in this solution until the adhesive can be pulled off without taking the scab with it.
Step 5
Wash the area under the bandage according to your doctor's instructions. You'll generally wash the area with an antibacterial soap and pat it dry with a clean towel.
Tips and Warnings
- Wait until the adhesive bandages are ready to be removed. Your doctor should provide instructions on when to remove the bandages.
- Don't get baby oil in an open wound.
Things You'll Need
- Antibacterial soap
- Small scissors
- Cotton swab
- Baby oil
- Salt
- Cotton balls
