Removing the sticky tape can be very painful, and dealing with the irritating adhesive residue left on the skin will only add to the headache. Fortunately, there are many ways to remove the tape from the skin. Whichever method you choose, be careful and only use light pressure and tugging. Any friction and pulling will have an effect on the leather as well as the plaster. Different plaster products will react to different treatments, so don't be discouraged if you fail to remove it on the first try. Sticky plaster residue can be removed with a little extra time and effort.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Simple Home Treatments
Step 1. Take a warm bath
The warmth and humidity tend to make the adhesive on the plaster softer. One easy way to wet a sticky area is to take a shower or soak in the tub. The adhesive residue will go away on its own, or it may require a light scrubbing with a washcloth or soft dish soap.
If you don't have time to shower or bathe, fill a bowl or pan with warm water and soak the affected area. This method will work better if the adhesive residue on the skin is soaked for a long time. Try this treatment while you are reading a book or watching television
Step 2. Coat with diluted cooking oil
A few drops of olive, canola, vegetable, coconut, or sunflower oil can help remove any remaining plaster adhesive from the skin. Some adhesives are oil soluble, while others lose grip as the oil soaks between the glue and the skin.
Apply the oil on the affected area with a slight gentle rubbing using a soft cloth or cotton bud for best results. There's no need to pour too much - your goal is to lightly grease the skin, not wet it. Repeat as necessary to remove all traces of plaster
Step 3. Apply ice to the plaster marks
Wrap the ice in a paper towel to prevent it from sticking to the skin, and leave it on the affected area for five minutes. The ice will make the adhesive on the plaster brittle, which may cause it to come off.
Method 2 of 3: Using Common Skin Care Products
Step 1. Coat the adhesive residue with baby oil
The way baby oil works uses the same principle as cooking oil, between dissolving the remaining adhesive or releasing its grip from the skin. Another benefit is that almost all baby oils are made with a very gentle texture, making them an excellent choice for sensitive skin.
- Baby oil is generally just mineral oil with a little added fragrance. Pure mineral oil can be used as an alternative to baby oil - in general, it is less expensive.
- Try adding a few drops of food coloring to baby oil when you want to remove the adhesive residue from a child's skin, then use it to "color" the affected area. The oil will remove the adhesive residue and the dye can be a fun distraction for your child.
Step 2. Use a gentle lotion
Lotions can be used to remove adhesive residue, such as baby oil or cooking oil, because they are oil or lipid (fat) based. Rub a small amount of lotion on the affected skin, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe gently with a soft towel or cotton ball.
Unscented lotions are best. Chemicals used to add fragrance can sometimes cause stinging and a rash on irritated skin
Step 3. Use a warm compress combined with baby oil, lotion, or some type of cooking oil
Compresses can be used to make these materials more effective because the warmth can loosen the adhesive in the plaster. Warm water will rinse off the oil or lotion, so use a warm compress instead. Our article on warm compresses explains some easy ways to make one.
- Try filling your knee-high socks with rice until they are almost full. Tie the open end so the rice doesn't spill. Microwave the compress for 30 seconds or so until it's warm, but not too hot to hold. Hold the compress over the remaining adhesive on the skin while allowing the lotion to absorb.
- Place the washcloth between the sock and your skin if you don't want to make it greasy.
Method 3 of 3: Using Chemical Products
Step 1. Use spirit
Also known as isopropyl alcohol, this commonly used household cleaner is inexpensive and can usually be found at grocery and discount stores. Spiritus is very effective in breaking down some types of adhesive. Apply a small amount of spirit using a Q-tip or cotton ball, let sit for a moment, then rub gently to remove any remaining adhesive from the plaster.
Spiritus can make the skin dry and irritated, especially on sensitive areas, such as the face. Only use a few drops at a time and let the skin rest between uses
Step 2. Moisten with nail polish remover
The active ingredient in most nail polish removers is acetone, a type of chemical solution. Acetone also acts as a solvent for many glue and adhesive products, and can dissolve them on contact. Rub the acetone on the affected area and let it sit for a few moments, then continue scrubbing gently to remove any remaining adhesive.
- Acetone can have the same effect as alcohol, drying and irritating the skin, so take the same precautions.
- If you can't find a nail polish remover, use acetone.
- Be careful when using acetone. Acetone is a highly flammable substance, so it should not be used with heat.
- Avoid using non-acetone nail polish remover, as it doesn't contain the solvent needed to break down the remaining adhesive plaster.
Step 3. Coat with tar oil
Products like Vaseline, which are made from tar oil, work like oils and lotions to remove any residual adhesive from the plaster on the skin. A special advantage is that tar oil is so thick that it can be left on for a long time (although its oily nature can be uncomfortable for some people). Just apply a thin layer on the affected skin and leave it on for five to ten minutes, then wipe it off using a soft cloth or paper towel.
Step 4. Use a pharmacy-grade adhesive remover
The product is specially designed to remove the type of adhesive found in plaster. Adhesive removers are generally made in the form of a spray or disposable wipes. Adhesive removers are a bit more expensive and harder to find than the other methods mentioned, but they can work very well.
This product may be found at local pharmacies. Otherwise, a wide variety of adhesive removers can be purchased online. The price varies greatly from one product to another, but generally ranges from Rp. 130,000-Rp. 330,000 per pack or bottle
Step 5. Rinse the skin with soap and water after using the chemical solution
Many chemical products (especially alcohol, acetone, and some adhesive removers) can irritate the skin if they are in contact with them for too long. Be sure to wash the area with soap and water after each use to avoid irritation. This will help wash the chemical solution off your skin and reduce irritation.
If you can't get all the adhesive off your skin in one go, consider waiting a day before repeating the harsh chemical step again. Pausing will help the skin to rest and recover. Combine chemical treatments with one of the more gentle means instead
Tips
- Be patient - the medical adhesive will naturally break down and go away on its own over time.
- Sometimes spirits are available in the form of disposable medical wipes which are easier to use. Look for “alcohol preps” or “alcohol pads” in the first aid section of the nearest convenience store.
Attention
- Spiritus and nail polish remover will sting open wounds, damaged or sensitive skin.
- Spiritus can damage delicate materials. Be careful and only use it on skin that is covered with adhesive tape, otherwise carefully dispose of alcohol wipes that have been used.
