How to Remove Dermabond From Skin

Written by Grahame Turner

28 August, 2019

Dermabond is a powerful adhesive designed to replace bandages and stitches 1. It's designed to fall off over time, but you can remove it yourself if needed. Consult a medical professional to be sure it should be removed.

Removal

If the Dermabond was applied within the past 45 seconds or so, you can just wipe it away.

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Dermabond is designed to flake off on its own after about a week, so check to see whether it is.

Picking at Dermabond can help it come off. But stop if the picking is causing undue pain.

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If the Dermabond really needs to come off, liberally apply Vaseline or acetone and rub it in. This should loosen the bond with the skin and allow you to pull the Dermabond off.

Soak the area in warm water if the Vaseline hasn't succeeded on its own.

If the Dermabond still doesn't come off, consult a doctor again instead of trying anything more drastic.

Tips

If the Dermabond is stuck in the hair it might take longer to flake off. Try putting vinegar, vegetable oil or tea tree oil on the material, using cotton balls or swabs.

Warnings

Removing the Dermabond too soon can cause the wound to re-open, which could lead to scarring or infection.

If the Dermabond is too close to the eyes to safely remove, do not attempt it.

If the Dermabond was applied within the past 45 seconds or so, you can just wipe it away.
If the Dermabond still doesn't come off, consult a doctor again instead of trying anything more drastic.