Hot glue gun is a tool used for dispensing hot melt adhesive. The material used to prepare hot glue is a thermoplastic adhesive. It is available in long solid sticks of various diameters. The stick is put in the hot glue gun which is electrically operated. The heat produced by electric current melts the solid stick in the gun and the glue is squeezed out from the nozzle to be applied on various objects as an adhesive.
Initially, hot glue guns were used to bond shoe soles, but with invention of different types of thermoplastic adhesives, its area of application has increased.
Aside from its industrial use, many people love them to bond craft material for their children. Most of the time, they are safe to use. Unfortunately, some people may come in contact with the hot glue released from the nozzle and burn their skin. The burns of hot glue are usually minor and occasional blister forming. These burns can be treated at home.
How To Treat A Hot Glue Gun Burn Naturally?
Usually fingers and wrist area comes in contact with hot glue.
- As soon as the molten hot glue comes in contact with your skin, place the affected area under flowing tap water. Keep it under the water till burning sensation becomes less. It takes usually about 10 minutes. However sometimes it may take longer.
- If flowing water from the tap is not available, then collect some water in a bowl and place your finger or the affected part in water for 10 to 15 minutes.
- It is necessary to keep your fingers mobile while the melt is hot. Thus avoiding the tourniquet effect on the fingers as the glue cools down.
- Avoid removing the glue when it in molten state, or else the skin will come out together with the glue leaving a deep burnt area.
- Once the hot melt solidifies and becomes cool, try to rub your fingers gently over it to remove superficial layer of the glue. Do not attempt to remove the whole melt as it will cause more damage underneath the wound.
- Now take your fingers away from the tap. Put few drops of coconut oil or olive oil on a cotton ball until it soaks. Gently try to rub the glue with soaked cotton ball. The glue will become soft and easy to be removed. Once it is removed, keep the area affected in the flowing water for few minutes.
- You can now dab the burn area with diluted vinegar to relieve pain.
- Clean it with sterile cotton and apply an antibiotic ointment. Cover the area with sterile gauze.
- If there is a small blister, do not burst the blister. In few days the blister will open up itself.
Contact your physician if the wound worsens, becomes more painful or takes longer time to heal.