Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSupplies You NeedStepsWhat Not to DoSkincare After RemovalPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Supplies You Need
Steps
What Not to Do
Skincare After Removal
Prevention
Direct skin contact with nail glue may cause localizeddermatitis(skin inflammation),paronychia(infection of the skin around the nail), and allergiconycholysis(separation of the nail from the nail bed).
As with super glue, nail glue should not be pulled or picked off the skin as this could damage the skin and may be painful. Instead, products such as soapy water, petroleum jelly or oils, or—if necessary—acetone-based nail polish remover may be used.
This article will discuss what you need to remove nail glue from skin, the steps involved, caring for your skin afterward, and ways to prevent nail glue from getting on your skin.
Johner Images / Getty Images
What You Need to Remove Nail Glue From Skin
The tools you need to remove nail glue from skin depends on the method you are using. Materials you may use include:
Steps to Remove Nail Glue From Skin
The measures needed to remove nail glue from skin depend on factors such as how long it has been on the skin, how securely it is bonded to the skin, and how much of it is on the skin.
As some techniques can be harsher on the skin, you may wish to start with milder measures first and move onto stronger methods if needed.
If the glue is still wet, remove excess glue with a clean cloth or tissue without rubbing vigorously or scrubbing. If the glue has dried, don’t try to peel or pull it off; try one or more of the following methods.
Warm Soapy Water
This method will likely work if the glue has not yet dried.
Applying awarm compressto the area may help soften the glue.
If the affected area is in a place you can immerse in water, such as your hands, soaking in warm, soapy water may do the trick.
Steps include:
Petroleum Jelly or Oils
Mineral oilor vegetable oil may also be effective at removing cyanoacrylates from the skin.
Apply the petroleum jelly or oil to the area, and gently rub it to try and loosen and remove the glue. Don’t force it. If the glue is not coming off, try another method.
This method is a less risky technique to use if the affected area is near the eyes or mouth.
Acetone-Based Nail Polish Remover
Acetone can be an effective way to remove cyanoacrylate-based adhesives from the skin, and the removal of artificial nails often involves soaking in acetone.
Acetone carries the risk of side effectssuch as skin irritation or lesions. It’s best to try this method only if gentler methods are ineffective. It should never be used near the eyes.
Acetone may be particularly useful when the bond from cyanoacrylates needs to be broken more quickly, such as if fingers are stuck together.
To use this method, do the following:
Important safety measures to follow if using acetone include:
Let It Be
If it isn’t bothering you, and/or other methods haven’t worked, it’s usually OK to just leave it alone to work itself off. The glue typically sloughs off naturally within a few days.
Just remember not to pick at it while you are waiting.
When Is Nail Glue on Skin an Emergency?If you get nail glue or another cyanoacrylate-basedadhesiveon your eyes or lips, see a healthcare provider right away.Remember:Do not use acetone, alcohol, or another chemical.Try not to pull off the glue.Prevent cutting your eyelashes.
When Is Nail Glue on Skin an Emergency?
If you get nail glue or another cyanoacrylate-basedadhesiveon your eyes or lips, see a healthcare provider right away.Remember:Do not use acetone, alcohol, or another chemical.Try not to pull off the glue.Prevent cutting your eyelashes.
If you get nail glue or another cyanoacrylate-basedadhesiveon your eyes or lips, see a healthcare provider right away.
Remember:
Removing Nail Glue From Skin: What Not to Do
Some attempts to remove nail glue from the skin can cause pain, damage, orinfection. If you get nail glue or another cyanoacrylate-based adhesive on your skin, heed the following warnings:
How to Care for Your Skin After Removing Nail Glue
After the glue is removed, rinse the area well with warm water and use a soft towel to pat it dry. Applymoisturizeroraloe vera gelto help soothe and hydrate your skin, and relieve any irritation.
Contact your dermatologist or healthcare provider if you notice signs of:
How to Prevent Nail Glue From Getting on Your Skin
If you are applying nail glue at home, some ways to help prevent nail glue from getting on your skin include:
Summary
Nail glue can sometimes be removed with gentle methods, such as soaking in warm, soapy water, or applying grease such as petroleum jelly or vegetable oil, then gently rubbing with fingers or a toothbrush.
If necessary, acetone or acetone-based nail polish remover may be used to break the bond of the nail glue, but it carries the risk of skin irritation, is highly flammable, and must be used in a well-ventilated area. It should never be used near the eyes.
After removing the nail glue, rinse the area well andmoisturize.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Isik VM, Ozer K, Oruc M, Gursoy K, Turan A, Kocer U.Accidental adhesion of both hands with super glue: a case report. World J Plast Surg. 2016;5(1):72-74.
Missouri Poison Center.Super glue.
Brambilla E, Crevani M, Petrolini VM, et al.Exposure to nail and false eyelash glue: a case series study. IJERPH. 2020;17(12):4283. doi:10.3390/ijerph17124283
Ontario Poison Centre.Super glue.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Artificial nails: Dermatologists' tips for reducing nail damage.
Krazy Glue.FAQs.
Coles C, Javed MU, Hemington Gorse S, Nguyen D.Paediatric burns secondary to nail adhesives: a case series. Burns & Trauma. 2016;4:s41038-016-0048-6. doi:10.1186/s41038-016-0048-6
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
