Removing adhesive residue without wrecking your skin
Scrubbing at residue does more damage than the residue does. There are gentler routes.
Sticky residue after removing a dressing is annoying and harmless. The damage comes from how people attack it.
Gentle approaches, in order
- Warm soapy water and time. Soak a flannel over it for a few minutes.
- A little oil — baby oil, olive oil — rubbed gently on intact skin only.
- A purpose-made adhesive remover wipe, if you use dressings frequently.
Do not
- Scrub with anything abrasive.
- Use nail polish remover, white spirit or similar solvents on skin.
- Pick at it dry, which strips the surface layer.
- Get any of the above into the wound.
Preventing it
Residue is usually a sign the adhesive is more aggressive than that skin needs, or that the dressing was left on too long. Silicone adhesives leave essentially none.
See a pharmacist, GP or urgent care if a wound will not stop bleeding after ten minutes of firm pressure, is deep or gaping, was caused by something dirty or rusty, contains anything you cannot flush out, or shows spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or a fever. Get help urgently for animal or human bites, wounds over a joint, and any wound in someone with diabetes or poor circulation.
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FitMedix products are CE-marked medical devices intended for the care of minor wounds. This site does not provide medical advice — seek professional help for deep, dirty or non-healing wounds, or if signs of infection appear. Always read the instructions on the pack.