How to Remove Medical Tape Glue
Tips
Some companies make adhesive removers. These are more costly than rubbing alcohol and are not more effective.
The soap and water method is less painful if your skin has already torn or blistered from the tape, but it also takes longer and involves more effort.
Warnings
Even if it does not hurt at the time, it is best not to tear the tape from you skin without the aid of rubbing alcohol because tearing will still occur.
Whether you have undergone a serious medical procedure or simply needed a bandage for a cut, you likely have some residue from the medical tape left on your skin. This glue is stubborn and painful to pull off, and it often turns black from collecting dirt, which is unsightly. You can remove this tape in several ways.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Rubbing Alcohol Method
Moisten a cotton swab with the alcohol. If the medical tape is still attached to your skin, pull up a corner and moisten the area with the alcohol. After allowing the alcohol to dissolve the adhesive, pull the tape up further and soak the newly exposed portion. Continue these steps until the tape is gone.
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If you are just removing residue, use the alcohol-soaked cotton swab to rub the area in a circular motion until the adhesive slides off easily.
Clean your skin with warm water and soap.
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Apply lotion to hydrate your skin.
- Moisten a cotton swab with the alcohol.
- If you are just removing residue, use the alcohol-soaked cotton swab to rub the area in a circular motion until the adhesive slides off easily.
Soap and Water Method
Apply a few drops of dish soap and warm water to a towel or washcloth.
Hold the washcloth to the adhesive for about ten minutes, allowing the dish soap to penetrate the glue.
Rub gently to remove the adhesive. Do not rub too hard because this will irritate your skin.
Rinse your skin and apply lotion.
- Apply a few drops of dish soap and warm water to a towel or washcloth.
- Rinse your skin and apply lotion.
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References
- Jeanne Johnson, RN
Writer Bio
Sadie Anderson is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Cruz and holds a bachelor's degree in literature. She has written extensively for Demand Studios; her articles have been published on eHow.com and LIVESTRONG. Anderson has cystic fibrosis and uses her acquired knowledge to help other patients navigate the medical world.