How to Remove Band-Aid Adhesive

The adhesive on a Band-Aid often transfers to the skin during the healing process of a wound. This adhesive needs to be removed without causing additional injury to the wounded area. A non-irritating adhesive remover works best, because it is formulated to remove the adhesive without re-injuring the skin. A hard-to-remove Band-Aid can be softened with a softening agent prior to removal. This makes removal more comfortable for the patient, because hair won't get pulled out when the Band-Aid comes off.

Things You'll Need

• Petroleum jelly
• Non-irritating adhesive remover
• Cotton swab stick
• Cotton ball

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Instructions

• 1

  Apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly over the top of the Band-Aid with your finger. This softens the adhesive and any dried blood holding the bandage to the skin.

• 2

  Remove the Band-Aid from the wound by gently peeling it off.

• 3

  Apply a non-irritating adhesive remover to the adhesive residue on the skin. The way you apply the remover depends on what type you have. Gently rub or wipe the adhesive off the skin with a cotton swab or cotton ball moistened with remover. Apply remover as needed to take off all adhesive residue.