How to Remove Residue From Bandages

Bandage residue can stay on skin long after the bandage has been removed.

Bandages are treated with a strong adhesive that bonds tightly to your skin to prevent slipping. Residue from the bandage often remains long after the wound has healed, leaving an unsightly reminder that is difficult to remove. It is easy to become frustrated and resort to scrubbing, scraping and pulling at the residue, but these painful methods are not necessary. Saturate the area well with a substance that will soften and release the remaining glue, and it will be gone in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton balls
• Cloth
• Baby or vegetable oil
• Soap
• Acetone nail polish remover

Instructions

1. Apply rubbing alcohol to the bandage residue. Wipe over the area with a cloth to loosen the glue.

2. Soak a cotton ball with baby oil or vegetable oil and apply generously to the affected area. Leave the oil in place for five minutes and then use a cloth to gently rub the loosened adhesive from your skin.

3. Wash the area in warm, soapy water to remove remaining adhesive.

4. Saturate a cotton ball with nail polish remover containing acetone. Moisten any remaining residue well, then wash the area thoroughly because the acetone can cause irritation if it stays on the skin for too long.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep baby oil, vegetable oil and acetone away from your eyes to avoid irritation.

References

• Mother Nature: Cuts and Scrapes
• Geoparent: How to Remove Permanent Marker, Chewing Gum and More