How to remove a splinter: Methods and tips

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Splinters occur when a small, thin fragment of wood or other material punctures the skin and becomes embedded. In most cases, it will be possible to remove the splinter at home. However, anyone attempting this should always wash their hands and any equipment they will use first. If the area becomes infected, it may be necessary to see a doctor.

In this article, we cover simple methods to remove a splinter and explain when a person should seek medical attention.

Use a recommended method to remove splinters safely at home.

It is possible to remove a splinter at home using one of several methods. The best method depends on:

• the location of the splinter
• how deep the splinter is
• the size of the splinter
• the direction of the splinter

Below are the most common methods for getting rid of a splinter:

Tweezers

Most people with a small, easy-to-access splinter will use tweezers to remove it. Tweezers make it possible to pinch the splinter and pull it out.

This method involves:

• disinfecting the tweezers with rubbing alcohol
• pinching the end of the splinter between the tweezer’s arms
• pulling the splinter out gently and slowly

Tweezers are available for purchase online.

Duct tape

Duct tape is a very strong tape that can help remove a deeper splinter. This method is often painless.

A person can use duct tape to remove a splinter by:

• cleaning the area thoroughly
• applying duct tape to the splinter
• waiting about 30 minutes
• pulling the tape off

If this method does not work the first time, it is worth trying again.

Duct tape is available for purchase online.

Needle and tweezers

When the splinter has fully punctured the skin, and no part of the material is visible, a person may be able to expose part of it using a needle. Once part of the splinter is exposed, they can then use the tweezers to remove it.

A person can remove a splinter using a needle and tweezers by:

• disinfecting both the needle and tweezers with rubbing alcohol
• puncturing the skin with the needle over the part of the splinter closest to the surface
• pinching the splinter with the tweezers and pulling it out gently and slowly

Use a solution to draw out the splinter

While this method still needs medical testing, some people try soaking the area in a solution in an attempt to draw out a buried splinter.

Some commonly used solutions include:

• hydrogen peroxide
• Epsom salt mixed with water
• baking soda mixed with water
• lavender oil
• honey
• warm water

Using one of these solutions, try removing the splinter by:

• soaking the splinter in the liquid for a few minutes
• using a sanitized pair of tweezers to remove the splinter once it has surfaced

However, if a splinter is completely beneath the skin, it is usually best to visit a doctor to have it removed.

It is important for a person to assess their wound before choosing a removal method. Things to look for include:

• Is part of the splinter sticking out?
• Where is the splinter located?
• In which direction is the splinter going?

Before getting started, a person should thoroughly wash their hands with soapy water and sanitize any equipment that they plan to use, such as tweezers. Always clean the wound after removal to help avoid infection.

If available, use a magnifying glass to help see the splinter. It is also possible to use a lamp or bright natural light from a window.

Finally, it is essential never to squeeze or pinch the skin around the splinter. Applying pressure can cause the splinter to break into more pieces or push it further below the surface.

A person should seek medical attention when:

• there is redness or discoloration around the splinter
• the area swells
• the wound is leaking pus
• the splinter is large
• the skin is warm to the touch
• the splinter is near the eye
• the wound is excessively painful
• the splinter is stuck deep in the skin

A splinter is a common but painful injury that it is usually easy to treat at home. Before removing a splinter, a person should be sure to follow proper precautions, such as washing their hands and sanitizing any equipment.

A person should ask a medical professional to remove the splinter if it is very large, is positioned near the eye, or appears infected.

Read the article in Spanish.

How to remove a splinter: Methods and tips

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Splinters occur when a small, thin fragment of wood or other material punctures the skin and becomes embedded. In most cases, it will be possible to remove the splinter at home. However, anyone attempting this should always wash their hands and any equipment they will use first. If the area becomes infected, it may be necessary to see a doctor.

In this article, we cover simple methods to remove a splinter and explain when a person should seek medical attention.

Use a recommended method to remove splinters safely at home.

It is possible to remove a splinter at home using one of several methods. The best method depends on:

• the location of the splinter
• how deep the splinter is
• the size of the splinter
• the direction of the splinter

Below are the most common methods for getting rid of a splinter:

Tweezers

Most people with a small, easy-to-access splinter will use tweezers to remove it. Tweezers make it possible to pinch the splinter and pull it out.

This method involves:

• disinfecting the tweezers with rubbing alcohol
• pinching the end of the splinter between the tweezer’s arms
• pulling the splinter out gently and slowly

Tweezers are available for purchase online.

Duct tape

Duct tape is a very strong tape that can help remove a deeper splinter. This method is often painless.

A person can use duct tape to remove a splinter by:

• cleaning the area thoroughly
• applying duct tape to the splinter
• waiting about 30 minutes
• pulling the tape off

If this method does not work the first time, it is worth trying again.

Duct tape is available for purchase online.

Needle and tweezers

When the splinter has fully punctured the skin, and no part of the material is visible, a person may be able to expose part of it using a needle. Once part of the splinter is exposed, they can then use the tweezers to remove it.

A person can remove a splinter using a needle and tweezers by:

• disinfecting both the needle and tweezers with rubbing alcohol
• puncturing the skin with the needle over the part of the splinter closest to the surface
• pinching the splinter with the tweezers and pulling it out gently and slowly

Use a solution to draw out the splinter

While this method still needs medical testing, some people try soaking the area in a solution in an attempt to draw out a buried splinter.

Some commonly used solutions include:

• hydrogen peroxide
• Epsom salt mixed with water
• baking soda mixed with water
• lavender oil
• honey
• warm water

Using one of these solutions, try removing the splinter by:

• soaking the splinter in the liquid for a few minutes
• using a sanitized pair of tweezers to remove the splinter once it has surfaced

However, if a splinter is completely beneath the skin, it is usually best to visit a doctor to have it removed.

It is important for a person to assess their wound before choosing a removal method. Things to look for include:

• Is part of the splinter sticking out?
• Where is the splinter located?
• In which direction is the splinter going?

Before getting started, a person should thoroughly wash their hands with soapy water and sanitize any equipment that they plan to use, such as tweezers. Always clean the wound after removal to help avoid infection.

If available, use a magnifying glass to help see the splinter. It is also possible to use a lamp or bright natural light from a window.

Finally, it is essential never to squeeze or pinch the skin around the splinter. Applying pressure can cause the splinter to break into more pieces or push it further below the surface.

A person should seek medical attention when:

• there is redness or discoloration around the splinter
• the area swells
• the wound is leaking pus
• the splinter is large
• the skin is warm to the touch
• the splinter is near the eye
• the wound is excessively painful
• the splinter is stuck deep in the skin

A splinter is a common but painful injury that it is usually easy to treat at home. Before removing a splinter, a person should be sure to follow proper precautions, such as washing their hands and sanitizing any equipment.

A person should ask a medical professional to remove the splinter if it is very large, is positioned near the eye, or appears infected.

Read the article in Spanish.

5 Simple and Painless Ways to Remove a Splinter

Splinters are as sneaky as they are annoying. You never see one coming, but once one gets embedded in you, you’re definitely going to feel it. The most common way to pull one of these out of your body is to grab a pair of tweezers and just start digging. While that might work for splinters that haven’t lodged too deep into your body, it’s far from ideal for the ones completely under the surface. Plus, it hurts.

Thankfully, you don’t always need sharp instruments or a trip to the doctor to get rid of those stubborn splinters—there are plenty of items lying around your house right now that can help draw them out. So the next time you find yourself with a painful piece of wood or other material stuck in your foot, finger, etc. be sure to wash the affected area with soap and warm water and give one of these simple—and painless—remedies a try.

1. SOAK IT IN EPSOM SALTS.

Epsom salts are an incredibly versatile cure-all for common ailments like sunburn and sore muscles. But one of its lesser known uses is the fact that it can help bring deep splinters to the surface of your skin.

To get this to work, just dissolve a cup of the salts into a warm bath and soak whatever part of the body has the splinter. Failing that, you can also put some of the salts onto a bandage pad and leave it covered for a day; this will eventually help bring the splinter to the surface. Both methods help to draw the splinter out, which you can then pull out completely with a tweezer.

2. SLAP A BANANA PEEL ON TOP OF IT.

They can do everything from whiten your teeth to shine your shoes, but banana peels can also rid you of your splinter woes. Simply take a portion of a ripe peel and tape the inside portion over the area with the splinter. From there, the enzymes in the peel will get to work by softening your skin and helping the splinter move closer to the surface.

Some say just a few minutes is often all it takes, but if you can leave it on longer (especially overnight), you’ll have a better chance that the splinter will surface. Sometimes it will be drawn out far enough that it will come out on its own when you remove the peel; other times you may still need to use a pair of tweezers to finish the job. And if it doesn’t work after one night, replace the peel and leave it on for another day.

Don’t have a banana handy? You can also try a potato slice using essentially the same method: Place the skinless side on the area, hold in place with a bandage, and leave it on overnight. Then remove it and see if the splinter has surfaced.

3. MAKE A BAKING SODA PASTE.

First, before you do anything, clean the affected area with soap and water. Then combine a little water with ¼ of a tablespoon of baking soda to make a paste that you can then spread on the splinter. Once the paste is spread, cover the area with a bandage and keep it just like that for a full 24 hours.

You should notice that the splinter has made its way to the surface, where you can now simply just remove it. If you still can’t get a hold of it, you can repeat the same procedure until the splinter is sufficiently brought above the skin.

4. USE SOME TAPE.

This method is best when a splinter is already drawn to the surface a bit but tweezers just won’t do. Simply take a piece of tape—go for something a little stronger, like duct tape—and place it over the splinter. Once the tape is secure (leave it on for a few minutes), gently pull it off. You may have to repeat this a few times to coax the splinter out. For a little added security, soak the area in warm water first to soften the skin.

5. VINEGAR OR OIL.

Another simple way to draw out that stubborn splinter is to soak the affected area in oil (olive or corn) or white vinegar. Just pour some in a bowl and soak the area for around 20 to 30 minutes, then eyeball the splinter and see where it is. If it looks closer to the surface, but not enough to pull out, soak it longer. Once it gets far enough out, just remove it and wash the area with soap and water.

Easy Ways to Remove a Splinter

Splinter? No problem! Just try one of these home remedies for splinter removal.

Summer is a time for frolicking around in sandals, flip-flops, and of course bare feet. It’s also a time for splinters. Splinters are painful and can need medical attention, but most of the time the occasional piece of wood that gets stuck in your hand or foot can be remedied at home. Tweezers and/or sterilized needles work well, especially if the splinter isn’t too deep.

Sometimes, though, these common household items can incite screaming and crying when the patient is a child, or can be difficult to use if you are by yourself. If you’d prefer a more “natural” removal method, why not give one of these a try:

Tape
From Duct to Scotch to masking many people swear by this removal method. This method is best for more superficial splinters rather than deep ones. Simply break off a piece of tape large enough to cover the area, then pull off the tape in the opposite direction the splinter went in.

Potato Slices
Cut a potato into thin slices. Place one slice on the splinter (use the side without the skin). Varying sources suggest leaving it on the spot for 10-20 minutes to the whole night. If you decide to leave it overnight, secure the potato slice with two bandages to keep it in place. When you remove the potato, it should pull out the splinter.

Baking Soda Paste
This method is best for those tiny, invisible splinters. You should use this only after you’ve tried other methods, as this paste will cause the skin to swell and push the splinter out. Make the paste by combining about ¼ tsp of baking soda with enough water to give it a paste-like consistency. Apply the paste to the cleaned area and put a bandage on top to keep it in secured. Leave it in place for 24 hours, and then remove. The splinter may be sticking out and need to be pulled out the rest of the way with tweezers or sterilized needle. If you don’t see it, repeat this process for another 24 hours.

Which splinter removal do you use? Share your favorite remedy here.

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The Ultimate Guide to DIY Deep Splinter Removal

There’s good and bad news when it comes to splinters. The good news is that they’re not usually a cause for immediate concern. You have time and options regarding how to proceed.

The bad news is that anyone is at risk of getting splinters anytime. Most splinters are wood shards that come from hiking, camping, or woodworking. Other splinter culprits are thorns, fishing equipment, and boat docks.

No matter your case, deep splinter removal is a process everyone should know. Read on to discover the best way to remove a splinter.

Deep Splinter Removal

Splinters are unique injuries. Sometimes you notice them right away, like a paper cut. Other times, it could be days before you locate that dull ache on your finger or toe.

The body registers splinters as a foreign body and it’ll respond as an attempt to remove it. If you wait too long, it can cause an infection and prompt you toward urgent care.

To avoid that situation, prepare yourself with these DIY splinter removal hacks.

How to Remove a Splinter

First, assess how deep your splinter lives below the skin. That will inform the best tools and tricks to remove it.

The most important thing is to sterilize everything. That includes washing your hands, tweezers, needles, or anything that’ll be going into your skin. Rubbing alcohol does the trick and helps avoid infection.

Depending on your location, your resources may vary. If you’re an active outdoors person, it’s smart to develop a splinter removal kit for future incidents.

The following things can help splinter removal.

1. Hydrogen peroxide
2. Baking soda
3. White vinegar
4. Duct tape
5. Epsom salt

If you’re a first-time splinter extractor, you’ll likely find one of these resources somewhere. There are other creative hacks involving banana peels, eggshells, and other options if you’re in a bind.

Having a magnifying glass nearby can ensure you get to the root of it.

Pro Splinter Removal

The more you learn what works for deep splinter removal, the less threatened you’ll be by getting them. Better yet, splinter removal practice can help you live your most daring, uninhibited life.

Complex splinters throw a wrench in things, so here’s how to know what to do.

Complex Splinters

Complex splinters happen for many reasons. Whether yours is too deep or you couldn’t get a clean extraction, look out for the following things.

• Redness
• Pus
• Swelling
• Aches
• Aggravation

It can be scary if you’ve pushed the splinter too far in to see it, or only removed a piece of it. The more you probe, the more sensitive it may get so it’s best done quickly.

Infections won’t self-correct so have your doctor close by just in case. Infections call for more removal and medication.

Living Splinter Free

Splinters are tiny burdens to the skin. Not having a deep splinter removal protocol can cause infections and stress. Don’t let a microscopic speck destroy your outdoor adventures.

Safe adventuring means preparation. What will you put in your splinter removal kit?

Next time a splinter stumps you, make things easy with a quick trip to urgent care. Reserve your spot in line now so you can be splinter-free.

5 Ways to Remove a Splinter with No Pain –

As summer heats up, families are spending more and more time outside enjoying activities like going to the lake and chilling outdoors. With all of this recreation time, you or a member of your family could be subject to minor injuries like splinters. While splinters aren’t typically very harmful, they do hurt. When you get a splinter, it’s best to remove the fragment as soon as possible to avoid infection. But how do you remove a splinter without hurting yourself or a loved one even more?

Here, we’ll explain the 5 best ways to remove a splinter painlessly and how to prevent splinter infections.

1. Use Tape

For smaller splinters, you can use a piece of sticky tape for quick and easy removal.

Simply place the piece of tape over the area with the splinter and then lift it slowly and gently. The splinter should come right out on the tape!

Hair removal wax will also work as an alternative for this method, too, if you’re all out of Scotch.

2. Use Tweezers

If the splinter’s end is visible, find a clean pair of tweezers and gently grip the splinter with them.

Once you have a hold on the splinter, slowly pull until the splinter is free from the skin. Pulling the splinter quickly could be more painful, so make sure you take things slow!

Dispose of the splinter and then clean the area with alcohol. If the splinter was larger and left a small wound, apply a bandage to the area to avoid infection.

3. Use a Needle

If the splinter is deep and you can’t see the fragment on the surface of the skin, find a small sewing needle. Be sure to disinfect it with alcohol first!

Use the sharp end of the sterile needle to follow the splinter’s path. Carefully open the skin to expose enough of the splinter so that you can use a pair of tweezers to remove it.

Once the fragment is removed entirely, clean the wound with alcohol, and bandage it. Keep an eye on it and watch out for signs of infection.

4. The Pimple Popping Method

Wash your hands and then place your fingers around the splinter as if it were a pimple. Carefully begin to squeeze; the pressure from your fingertips will be enough to lift the splinter from the skin.

Once the end of the splinter is out of the skin, you can pull it out. Just remember to be gentle!

5. Consult Urgent Care

While most splinters are small enough to be removed at home hassle-free, sometimes they can prove more complicated.

Attempting to remove a large, deep splinter from the skin can be dangerous, so it’s always best to let a doctor or physician conduct the removal.

If you’re a resident of Baton Rouge, you can get quality splinter and foreign body removal services from Coastal Urgent Care.

Remove a Splinter the Right Way

Splinters are painful and if they aren’t removed, you could be subject to infections or toxic reactions. That’s why it’s crucial to remove a splinter as soon as you get it, and sometimes that can mean consulting urgent care!

Don’t let splinters get in the way of summertime fun with the family. Contact us today to see how we can provide you with Baton Rouge’s premium medical services!

Splinter Removal – American Family Physician

CHRISTINA CHAN, M.D., and GOHAR A. SALAM, M.D., D.O., Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, Michigan

Am Fam Physician. 2003 Jun 15;67(12):2557-2562.

Splinter injuries are common, but larger and deeper splinters are often difficult and painful to remove at home. These splinters often present as a foreign body embedded in the superficial or subcutaneous soft tissues. Whenever possible, reactive objects like wood, thorns, spines, and vegetative material should be removed immediately, before inflammation or infection occurs. Superficial horizontal splinters are generally visible on inspection or easily palpated. A horizontal splinter is exposed completely by incising the skin over the length of the long axis of the splinter, and removed by lifting it out with forceps. A subungual splinter may be removed by cutting out a V-shaped piece of the nail. The point of the V is at the proximal tip of the splinter, which is grasped and removed, taking particular care not to push the splinter further into the nail bed. Removal of an elusive splinter can be challenging and may require the use of imaging modalities for better localization. Deeper splinters, especially those close to important structures such as nerves, tendons, blood vessels, or vital organs, should be referred for removal.

Splinters are common in children and adults, most often presenting as a foreign body embedded in the superficial or subcutaneous soft tissues of the extremities. Wood, glass, and metallic splinters are among the most common retained foreign bodies.1 Most superficial splinters may be removed by the patients themselves, leaving to physicians only the deeper and larger splinters, or retained splinters that have broken down during an attempt at removal.2 If not removed completely, splinters may cause complications such as inflammation, infection, toxic reactions, and granuloma formation. Failure to diagnose the foreign body has emerged as a common cause of malpractice actions against family physicians. Even after a foreign body has been found, the physician should ensure that nothing is left in the wound. The physician also must be cautious in telling the patient that the splinter is entirely removed. It may be preferable to tell the patient that all of the visible splinter has been removed, but there is always a chance that small pieces may be present that are undetectable at that time.

Evaluation

The most common error in the management of soft tissue foreign bodies is the failure to detect their presence.2,3 A patient’s suspicion that a foreign body may be present must be taken seriously. It is important to obtain a careful history, inquiring about the nature and timing of the injury, the composition of the material most likely involved, and the presence of any foreign-body sensation in the wound if the splinter is not readily visible. It is also important to ask about, and document, the tetanus immunization status of the patient.

The timing of the injury is important in evaluating splinters. A fresh injury usually has an injury track leading to the splinter that facilitates its detection and removal. Older injuries may present as infection, inflammation, induration, or granuloma formation, sometimes with no apparent history of foreign-body exposure. The composition of the foreign body dictates the reaction of the tissues to the splinter. Some types of foreign material are more toxic and allergic than others (Table 1).3,4 Wood, thorns, spines, and other vegetative foreign bodies are considered highly inflammatory, whereas glass, metal, and plastic are relatively inert materials.5

View/Print Table

TABLE 1

Reactions to Retained Foreign Materials

TABLE 1

Reactions to Retained Foreign Materials

On physical examination, most superficial splinters can be visualized or palpated easily. Deeper splinters may be difficult to detect; at times, the only clue to the presence of retained foreign bodies may be swelling, tenderness, a mass, a draining sinus, or a soft tissue infection such as cellulitis, abscess, lymphangitis, bursitis, synovitis, arthritis, or osteomyelitis. While evaluating the patient with skin or soft tissue complaints, the physician should actively look for signs of a hidden foreign body (Table 2).3,4

An array of diagnostic tools is available for detecting and locating splinters (Table 3).3,4,6–11 The cost of an imaging modality and its likelihood of detecting the foreign body should be considered before it is ordered. Standard radiographs are the most practical means of screening for a radiopaque foreign body.3 Almost all glass is radiodense, and glass foreign bodies as small as 0.5 to 2 mm can be detected easily on plain radiographs.

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TABLE 2

Signs of a Hidden Foreign Body

TABLE 2

Signs of a Hidden Foreign Body

On the other hand, wooden splinters are usually difficult to detect on plain radiographs unless there is paint on the wood that contains lead or other radiopaque substances.6 In most cases, two radiographic views may be adequate, but an oblique view may be more revealing and is readily obtainable. Computed tomographic (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detect many foreign bodies that may be missed on radiographs and are particularly helpful in detecting wooden splinters lodged near bones.7 Although wooden splinters may be visible at an early stage on a CT scan, they soon become isodense with the adjacent tissue as the wood absorbs water. Sonography provides an excellent alternative method for identifying and localizing radiolucent foreign bodies.8–13 A 7.5-MHz probe is used to search for small, superficial objects, whereas a 5.0-MHz probe is recommended for larger, deeper objects.

Splinter Removal

When possible, reactive objects should be removed before inflammation or infection occurs. Wood, thorns, spines, and other vegetative foreign bodies should be eliminated immediately, but glass, metal, and plastic can be removed in a less restricted time frame.13 Small elusive splinters may be located more easily once they have become encapsulated by granulomatous or scar tissue.14

Proper preparation and setup include adequate lighting, anesthesia, magnification, and a bloodless, sterile field.4 The physician must resist the temptation to remove the splinter by simply pulling it out of the wound because this may leave small fragments behind.

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TABLE 3

Comparison of Diagnostic Tests for Detection of Foreign Bodies

TABLE 3

Comparison of Diagnostic Tests for Detection of Foreign Bodies

SUPERFICIAL HORIZONTAL SPLINTERS

Superficial horizontal splinters are generally visible on inspection or easily palpated. The skin overlying the splinter is cleaned with povidone-iodine solution (Betadine) and infiltrated with 1 to 2 percent lidocaine with epinephrine (Xylocaine with epinephrine). Using a no. 15 scalpel blade, the skin is incised over the length of the long axis of the splinter, completely exposing it. The splinter is then easily lifted out with the blade or a forceps, and the track is cleaned with normal saline or povidone-iodine solution (Figure 1).

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FIGURE 1.

Removal of a superficial horizontal splinter. Using a no. 15 scalpel blade, the skin is incised over the length of the long axis of the splinter, completely exposing it. The splinter is then lifted out with the blade or a forceps.

FIGURE 1.

Removal of a superficial horizontal splinter. Using a no. 15 scalpel blade, the skin is incised over the length of the long axis of the splinter, completely exposing it. The splinter is then lifted out with the blade or a forceps.

Anesthesia may be spared for removal of a small, superficial splinter. The splinter may be removed by picking it out with an 18-gauge needle, using light feathering strokes to de-roof the skin over the splinter.2 Once the sliver is reached, it can be lifted out with the needle tip or with the aid of small forceps. A firm pinching pressure applied to the local area reduces the amount of pain the patient may feel and controls the bleeding.15

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FIGURE 2.

Vertical splinter removal. A superficial incision is made over the sliver, followed by deeper incisions, undermining both sides of the wound. The central block of contaminated tissue containing the splinter is then excised with a deep elliptic incision around the wound entrance.

FIGURE 2.

Vertical splinter removal. A superficial incision is made over the sliver, followed by deeper incisions, undermining both sides of the wound. The central block of contaminated tissue containing the splinter is then excised with a deep elliptic incision around the wound entrance.

VERTICAL SPLINTERS

Splinters or foreign bodies such as needles that are at a right angle to the skin surface are usually more painful and difficult to remove. After injection of local anesthesia and a povidone-iodine cleansing, a superficial incision is made over the splinter, followed by deeper incisions around the splinter, undermining both sides of the wound. This maneuver facilitates displacement of the splinter to the middle of the wound, where it is then excised with a deep elliptic incision around the wound entrance (Figure 2).

DEEPER, ELUSIVE SPLINTERS

The search for a deeper, elusive splinter may be difficult. Before searching for an elusive foreign body, the physician should set a time limit for the search, usually 20 to 30 minutes.16 After this time, further effort only increases the chance of tissue damage, and the likelihood of locating the foreign body is minimal. Blind dissection with a curved hemostat is not recommended. Instead, an imaging technique should be used to help localize a deeper splinter.

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FIGURE 3.

Subungual splinter removal. A V-shaped piece of nail is cut using small, but strong, scissors and is removed using a nail elevator and a forceps. The splinter is grasped and removed, taking particular care not to push the splinter further into the nail bed.

FIGURE 3.

Subungual splinter removal. A V-shaped piece of nail is cut using small, but strong, scissors and is removed using a nail elevator and a forceps. The splinter is grasped and removed, taking particular care not to push the splinter further into the nail bed.

Radiolucent splinters are not visualized on plain radiographs, and CT scanning, MRI, or ultrasonography should be strongly considered. Markers such as needles help in the precise localization of the splinter and facilitate its removal. Once localized, the foreign body is removed with a forceps or a hemostat, avoiding any unnecessary tissue dissection. Deeper splinters, especially those close to important structures such as nerves, tendons, blood vessels, or vital organs, should be referred for surgical removal.

SUBUNGUAL SPLINTERS

The traumatic introduction of wood splinters under the fingernails and toenails is common and frequently associated with severe throbbing pain.17 Most of the splinters are lodged in the distal portion of the nail and their removal does not result in nail dystrophy. However, for a more proximal subungual splinter, caution must be exercised not to disturb the nail matrix because this may result in failure of the nail to grow back normally.

To remove such a splinter, the digit is anesthetized by means of a digital nerve block, and the nail plate overlying the splinter is partially avulsed. This can be accomplished by a variety of methods. Most commonly, a V-shaped piece of nail is cut using small, but strong, scissors. The point of the V is at the proximal tip of the splinter.17 The V-shaped portion of the nail is removed using a nail elevator and a forceps. The splinter is grasped and removed, taking particular care not to push the splinter further into the nail bed (Figure 3).

The nail plate also may be partially avulsed by shaving the nail plate overlying the splinter with a no. 15 blade. This is done by using light strokes with the blade held in a proximal-to-distal direction. This technique gradually creates a U-shaped defect in the nail, exposing the entire length of the splinter18 (Figure 4).

Alternatively, the distal portion of the nail plate may be vaporized with a carbon dioxide laser unit, if that option is available.17

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FIGURE 4.

Subungual splinter removal. The nail plate overlying the splinter is shaved using a no. 15 blade. Light strokes are used (in a proximal-to-distal direction), creating a U-shaped defect in the nail and exposing the entire length of the splinter.

FIGURE 4.

Subungual splinter removal. The nail plate overlying the splinter is shaved using a no. 15 blade. Light strokes are used (in a proximal-to-distal direction), creating a U-shaped defect in the nail and exposing the entire length of the splinter.

Follow-Up Care

After removal of the splinter, the wound is copiously irrigated under high pressure, and the contaminated tissue is debrided.4 Sutures are avoided if possible, especially with contaminated wounds, where delayed primary closure is preferred. Routine wound-care instructions are given to the patient, and a 48-hour follow-up visit is scheduled as an office visit or a telephone call. After subungual splinter removal, postoperative wound care should include an occlusive dressing and a topical antibiotic.

The need for tetanus prophylaxis is addressed at the time of removal.2 Prophylactic antibiotics are generally not required but may be considered in some cases, depending on the type of splinter material and the appearance of the skin and subcutaneous tissues.

How to remove a splinter painlessly from under the nail, hands, feet, from the heel of a child

by Valentina Zvarich

[[blockquote text = “Ichthyol ointment prevents wound suppuration due to antiseptic and bactericidal properties”]]

[[blockquote text = “You can steam the skin well with the help of aloe juice, holding it in place of the splinter for several hours”]]

Let’s start from the very beginning, namely with what the splinter is. So, a splinter is any small foreign object that has fallen under the skin on a finger, arm, leg, heel, under the nail, etc.e. A splinter can be not only wood chips, but also metal shavings, a piece of glass, thorns and needles of plants and much more.

How to get a splinter out of your finger?

Despite the small size of the splinter, it not only causes very, very painful sensations at the site of penetration, but can also lead to strong suppuration of the area of ​​soft tissues around it.

So, if you do not pull the splinter out of your finger, it will eventually lead to panaritium (a purulent process in the tissues), a splinter in the heel can make any of your movements incredibly painful, and a metal splinter even threatens to infect the body with tetanus.

All this can happen if the splinter is in the tissues for 6 hours or more. How to quickly remove the splinter in this case? And how to painlessly remove a splinter that has sunk deep under the skin? Answer: with the help of ichthyol ointment!

Ichthyol ointment prevents wound suppuration due to antiseptic and bactericidal properties

This ointment can be purchased at any pharmacy for a penny. Also, do not forget to purchase a plaster from the pharmacist if its stocks in the home first-aid kit have come to an end.Take the plaster, apply a sufficient amount of ointment on its bactericidal part (the square in the middle), stick it on the place where the splinter has “stuck” and after 12 hours remove the plaster. Rest assured, your splinter will already be on the plaster!

Of the minuses of this method: an unpleasant odor and greasy consistency of the ointment itself, which is very difficult to wash off from clothes if it is already dirty. Also, this method is better for getting rid of a splinter in a finger, because wearing an adhesive plaster, for example, on the heel for 12 hours in a row is completely inconvenient.

Well, how to get a splinter out of a leg or other part of the body where it is inconvenient to wear a plaster? In this situation, it is best to use a tool such as tweezers.

How to remove a splinter with tweezers?

1. Take small tweezers (cosmetic). Treat the tweezers’ feet with an antiseptic or alcohol solution.
2. Hook the tip of a splinter peeking out from under the skin. If you find it difficult to see a splinter, use a magnifying glass. At the same time, do not press or squeeze the skin around the splinter – it can only enter deeper into the tissue.
3. Gently pull on the tip of the splinter, observing the angle at which it is driven under the skin. So, if it’s oblique, do not pull at a 90 degree angle, you will only break the splinter.
4. Disinfect the wound that remains from the splinter, and cover it with a plaster on top.

How to remove a deep splinter with a needle?

If the splinter is deep under the skin, it can be removed with a needle. Do not be afraid, with the right approach to this difficult matter, trauma and pain during the procedure will be minimized, and the splinter will be eliminated.

1. Do not press on the splinter or the skin around it. All you can achieve is that the splinter will stick even deeper into the tissue.
2. The needle is the best solution for removing a splinter that is covered by a thin layer of skin on top.
3. Before starting the splinter removal process, treat the needle with an antiseptic.
4. Insert the sharp end of the needle shallowly into the place where the splinter entered.
5. Lift the skin with the needle so that you open it directly over the splinter.
6. Opening the skin over the splinter, stretch it so that you can remove it entirely.
7. Use the tip of the needle to pick up the splinter and gently push it out.
8. If the splinter is deep, before removing it with a needle, steam the skin thoroughly with hot water and aloe leaf juice (2-3 hours). During this time, the splinter will rise closer to the surface of the skin, and you can easily remove it.

After the procedure, the wound should be treated with an antiseptic, and a plaster or bandage should be applied on top.

How to remove a splinter from a child?

It’s no secret that a splinter in children is an everyday matter, but getting it out of a child’s finger is many times more difficult than that of an adult.Firstly, the child will not calmly endure while you persistently pick his finger with a needle, and secondly, due to childish curiosity, the baby is unlikely to be able to carry a plaster with ichthyol on the site of a splinter for 12 hours.

In this case, how to get a splinter out of a small child without resorting to medical help? To do this, you need to properly steam the place where the splinter has fallen, using hot water or, as we said above, aloe juice. You need to steam until the tip of the splinter appears from under the skin.

You can steam the skin well with the help of aloe juice, holding it in place of the splinter for several hours

Then you need to use the “parental” tricks and distract the child’s attention to sweets, toys, cartoons, etc. When the child’s attention is occupied, using tweezers and a magnifying glass, carefully remove the splinter, following the principles described above.

If everything is more or less clear with splinters in the soft tissues of the body, then how to get the splinter out from under the nail? Here you should act according to the same principles as usual: steam the area of ​​the body with a splinter well and gently pull it out with tweezers or a needle, or use ichthyol ointment.

How to remove a splinter from the heel?

The quickest and most convenient way to remove a splinter from the heel is with a needle or tweezers. Due to the fact that the skin on the heel is coarser than on other parts of the body, the process will be almost painless. Most importantly, remember that tools (tweezers, a needle), hands, a place with a splinter – everything must be well disinfected before and after removal.

How to get a splinter out of the eye?

If it happened that a splinter got into the eye (yes, it also happens), in no case try to pull it out of there yourself! Moreover, do not rub your eyes with your hands, do not pull the eyelid to the temple, etc.e. Immediately seek help from an ophthalmologist, because any amateur activity in this situation can lead to eye inflammation or decreased vision.

How to remove a splinter quickly if it is deep

How to remove a splinter: Pixabay

Did a splinter get under your skin? Most often this happens painlessly, but it is fraught with consequences – suppuration and inflammation. You need to know how to remove the splinter correctly. Perform the procedure at home using the methods below.

How to remove a splinter: the rules

Initially, you need to understand whether you can handle it yourself or trust the medical staff. Start with an assessment of the lesion, examine the site of injury and find out the following points:

• where the splinter got and how deeply it went under the skin;
• In which direction the shard was stuck and what size it was.

If a splinter in your finger is visible under the skin, then you can pull it out at home. Before any procedure, be sure to wash your hands and treat the affected area with warm water and soap.This will help prevent inflammation of the damaged skin.

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Before pulling out the splinter (regardless of the place of penetration), I recommend performing the following points:

1. Set up good lighting and prepare a magnifying glass that will help you see the object stuck under the skin.
2. Soak the affected body part in warm water. This will soften the skin and make the procedure easier.
3. Do not try to pinch or squeeze the splinter, otherwise it will split into small pieces, making it difficult to remove.
4. When using tools, be sure to boil them in water for 15 minutes and treat with alcohol.

When should I see a doctor? Experts know better how to remove a splinter if it:

• split into pieces;
• stuck deep under the skin;
• stuck under the nail plate on the leg or arm.

Hygiene: YouTube / Real Life Stories

These rules are also recommended by WebMD experts.If the wound bleeds, this is a serious reason to go to the hospital. Harmless damage can have serious consequences if a person’s immunity is weakened. It all starts with local inflammation and can turn into the following states:

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Questions to the cosmetologist and detailed answers to them

• tissue damage;
• abscess;
• sepsis.

This is possible if an infection penetrates along with the splinter. If the temperature rises or any worsening of the condition, it is better to see a doctor.

How to remove a splinter: effective methods

Are you sure you can handle it yourself? The PubMed article recommends removing the foreign object as quickly as possible to avoid inflammation and infection. Choose the appropriate method depending on the location of the lesion:

How to remove a splinter in a child

It is difficult for a small child to explain the need for a procedure, pain can not be avoided, but can be minimized To do this, use gentle methods: as an option – steaming.Grate a bar of baby soap and mix with 300 ml of hot water. Once the soap begins to dissolve, dip the affected area in a container for 10 minutes.

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If after steaming a thorn is visible on the surface, then use adhesive tape. Here’s how to get the splinter:

1. Carefully catch the splinter with the tape.
2. Once the spike has adhered, remove the tape from the skin along with it.
3. If necessary, repeat the procedure.

You can replace the tape with tweezers.

How to remove a splinter from a finger

When the thorn has penetrated deep into the skin and is not visible on the surface, tweezers with a needle will help. This method is described by experts at WebMD. In addition to tools, prepare alcohol and a cotton pad.

Here’s how to get a splinter out of your finger:

1. Moisten the disc with alcohol, wipe the needle and tweezers.
2. Gently pry the skin over the splinter with the needle.
3. Grab a piece of the thorn with tweezers.
4. Remove in the same direction that it entered under the skin.

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Then treat the area with warm water and soap.

How to get a thorn out: YouTube / Real life stories

How to get a thorn out of your heel

It’s good when a thorn is visible. But how to remove a splinter that is not visible? Since the leather on the heel is rough, tools alone won’t be enough. A splinter in the heel will appear on the surface after steaming.

Proceed as follows:

1. Dilute 1 tsp in 300 ml of hot water. salt and soda.
2. Soak your foot in the solution for 10 minutes.
3. Using a needle and tweezers, remove the tissue injury.
4. Disinfect the affected area with peroxide or soap and water.

Now you know how to get a deep splinter. I hope this information will be useful and help in a difficult situation. Remember: if there is swelling, redness and pain, consult a doctor.

Read also

First aid for bone fractures: basic rules

Attention! The material is for informational purposes only. Do not use the treatments described in it without first consulting your doctor.

Sources:

1. Carol DerSarkissian. How do I remove a splinter? // WebMD. – 2018 .– December 23.
2. Carol DerSarkissian. When should you call a doctor about a splinter? // WebMD.- 2020. – 16 January.
3. Christina Chan. Splinter removal // PubMed. – 2003.

Author : Candidate of Medical Sciences Anna Ivanovna Tikhomirova

Reviewer: Candidate of Medical Sciences, Professor Ivan Georgievich Maksakov

Original article: https://www.nur.kz/family/beauty/1714087-kak-vytasit-zanozu-esli-ona-gluboko/

How to get a splinter out of your finger if it is deeply embedded

Today we will talk about the most unpleasant problem that almost every person on the planet faced.You are walking down the street, working or meeting your friends – and here you are! You felt an unpleasant tingling sensation in your finger, have you already understood what it is? Of course, a splinter. It’s one thing when its tip sticks out on the surface, you can get rid of it even on the street, without having any improvised means. But what if it is deeply seated and it is not so easy to pull it out? We will find out this now! The article was written based on the materials of the site – sovet.info.

Danger of splinters This kind of small injury can be dangerous, because splinters can be small chips, metal shavings, plant remains (for example: thorns or needles from a cactus), fragments, etc.Sometimes objects can be very small, so they can easily get under the skin, and in some cases – into muscle tissue. Therefore, you should take this type of injury seriously and in no case assume that everything will resolve by itself! Part of the remaining splinter inside the splinter can eventually lead to the appearance of an abscess. You cannot squeeze a splinter out of the skin, in the case of a splinter or a wooden chip – the object can crumble into many fragments, which will make the situation even worse. Do not forget that any foreign object inside the human body is always the introduction of dirt, which means that there is a possibility of infection or pathogenic microorganisms.

What products are usually needed to remove a splinter at home:

• needle;
• blade;
• tweezers;
• piece of adhesive plaster or sticky tape;
• cotton pad;
• disinfectant.

Sometimes, if the splinter is very small, a bright light and a magnifying glass or a magnifying glass are added to these tools – without their help, you are unlikely to be able to pull out a small shard.

How to get out a deep splinter

It should always be remembered that before the procedure, be sure to wash your hands well and wipe the injury site with an antiseptic.

Salt tray

Pour about 50 ml of water into a bowl, add 1 teaspoon of salt, mix thoroughly. Then we lower the place with the splinter into the bath and wait for about 20 minutes. It is necessary to achieve steaming of the skin so that it becomes possible to pick up the base of the splinter with a needle, and then help yourself with tweezers. If the object in the wound is wooden, then you cannot soar for a long time, the piece of wood may swell, 10 minutes will be enough.

Soda gruel

In this method, you need to take a spoonful of soda and mix it with the same spoonful of water.Apply the resulting mixture to the damaged area, seal it with a plaster. Wait a long time, about 3-4 hours, the skin should swell so that, as in the first method, you can get the splinter with improvised means.

Vegetable oil

The oil must be heated to normal temperature so as not to burn yourself. Moisten a cotton swab with vegetable oil and apply to the splinter for 15 minutes, then just as easily remove the splinter with tweezers.

Glue

A very non-standard method, but valid.Removal of a splinter with PVA glue occurs quickly, and most importantly, it is painless. First, the skin should be steamed for 15 minutes, then you need to wipe the wound well. Pour glue over the splinter and wait until it dries completely. After the glue has dried, remove it from the skin and a splinter should come out with it.

Ichthyol ointment

Deep splinters can be removed with this ointment. Ichthyol ointment, as it were, wets the wound and the foreign object “slips” out. For this method, you need to be patient, you need to walk with the ointment for a day until the fragment comes out.For this day, it is worth bandaging the location of the splinter with a bandage.

These 5 easy ways to help you cope with your ailment. You should always remember that if a splinter causes severe pain, and the place has acquired a red color and swelling, it is better to go to the doctor right away to get qualified help. Take care of your health and do not remain indifferent!

9 ways to easily and painlessly remove a splinter

If you are afraid to pull out a splinter with a needle.

It is very easy to get a splinter.It can be not only wood chips, but also thorns from plants, and metal shavings. Together with them, various bacteria enter the skin, writes Survival Life.

If a foreign body is not promptly removed from the skin, suppuration may develop.

michaelismerio.site

Before removing the splinter, carefully examine it through a magnifying glass. Note the size, shape, and angle at which the splinter entered the skin.

Do not try to squeeze out the foreign body.During the pressure, the splinter can go deep or break. To remove a splinter, you need to have clean skin. First, it must be washed with soap, then treated with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.

If you cannot remove the splinter in the usual way, using a needle, you can use other means:

1) Scotch tape.

This method is suitable for removing a large number of small splinters. Tear off a piece of duct tape and stick it to the affected area. Do not press the tape too hard to your hand – so as not to drive the needles even deeper.

After that, carefully tear off the tape – you will see that most of the small splinters remain on the tape. Repeat the procedure several times until the skin is completely cleansed.

2) Salicylic patch.

moidermatolog.com

Some experts recommend applying a salicylic patch, designed to remove warts, to the place where the splinter is stuck. 2 times a day, the patch must be changed to a new one.

After a couple of days, the splinter will either come out completely or rise to the surface of the skin, and then it can be removed with tweezers.

3) Glass bottle.

A splinter on the tip of a finger can be removed with a wide-necked bottle. Fill the container with hot water so that about 1 cm remains to the top edge.

Use your thorn finger to close the neck of the bottle and press lightly on it. While you press on the neck, the splinter will be “pulled out” by the heat coming from the water.

4) Pork lard.

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In ancient times, cooks and cooks removed a planted splinter with lard.Any animal fat or sunflower oil can be used instead.

The skin around the splinter must be anointed with one of the above means so that your “problem” could slip out.

5) PVA glue.

This method is suitable for child splinters. It is quite difficult to pull out a splinter from a child – a rare baby will prick himself with a needle. To get a splinter out of a finger, you just need to generously grease it with glue.

When dry, the adhesive can be removed in one large layer.If the splinter is shallow, it sticks to the glue and is easily removed from the skin.

6) Soda.

shutterstock.com

If the splinter is deep and it is not possible to pry it off, you need the skin to give it to you by itself. To do this, mix baking soda with water to make a gruel.

Apply the slurry to the wound and fix with a plaster or bandage. After a few hours, the skin will swell and squeeze out the foreign body. If this does not happen, it will be much easier to remove the splinter from the soft, swollen skin.

7) Iodine.

If the splinter sits so deep that there is no way to get it, smear the wound with iodine every three hours. The wooden splinter will simply burn out and after a while it will come out on its own.

Iodine helps to destroy the sharp structure of the splinter, thereby relieving the person from pain.

8) Aloe.

rastenievod.com

The juice of this plant perfectly softens the skin and has a bactericidal and wound healing effect. The cut aloe leaf must be cut to the wound and secured with a bandage or plaster.

After two hours, the foreign body can be easily removed with tweezers. If this method is used to remove a deep splinter from the foot, it will take more time. In this case, the procedure is repeated several times.

9) Birch tar.

Apply a cotton swab soaked in it to the wound and hold it for 30-40 minutes. The tip of the chip should come out. The particle is now easy to extract.

You can use coniferous resin instead of tar. It has a bactericidal effect and can help prevent inflammation.This remedy is great for removing a splinter from the heel.

How do you usually remove splinters?

14 Jun, 2019

How to remove a splinter quickly, painlessly and easily

A splinter is a nuisance that can happen to every person, adult and child. The splinter brings a lot of inconvenience, it can not be seen, it hurts and stabs. The splinter can be small and penetrate deeply, into the feet or under the nails.How to remove a splinter quickly and painlessly? There are proven and effective ways.

A splinter in a finger – how to get it out

Human hands are the most important instrument that performs many different actions and movements. It is often required to pull the splinter out of the finger. It is important to know that the sooner a problem is discovered, the easier and faster you will get rid of it.

Advice! Before you start pulling out the splinter, you need to steam the skin with a hot bath or compress so that it becomes loose and soft.Then the splinter will come out of the skin more easily.

The use of tweezers or a needle to remove a splinter assumes that the tip is clearly visible. Otherwise, it will not be possible to hook and pull out the splinter. It is also necessary to prepare a disinfectant solution – alcohol or brilliant green. To better see what is happening, it is recommended to operate in bright light and use a magnifying glass.

Home Procedure:

1. The skin is pre-steamed so that the tissues disperse, and the splinter becomes better visible and comes out faster.
2. Tweezers or a needle (a large sewing or medical needle from a syringe) should be treated with an alcohol solution.
3. Disinfect with alcohol and the area of ​​the skin where the splinter is located.
4. If using tweezers, hook the edge of the splinter and try to slowly pull it out.
5. If a needle is used, it is necessary to pry the splinter with a sharp end and try to pull it out of the layers of the skin.
6. The resulting small wound should be treated with a revitalizing ointment, for example, “Bepanten” or “Boro Plus”: then it will heal quickly and without complications.

Removing a splinter from a finger without a needle will allow ichthyol ointment or Vishnevsky. To do this, you should thickly smear the area of ​​\ u200b \ u200bthe skin where the splinter is located, and wait 15-20 minutes. Vishnevsky’s ointment and ichthyol ointment contribute to a good softening of tissues, and also have a pulling effect, which will help the splinter slip out of the layers of the skin in which it lies. However, you will have to press on the skin around the splinter so that it comes out to the surface. To reduce the trauma of soft tissue, as soon as the tip appears, pick it up with tweezers and pull out the splinter completely.

Advice! If your house has a thin-nosed ruling pen, it will completely replace tweezers and will be even more convenient.

Gruel from a small amount of water and soda will facilitate the extraction of the splinter from the surface layers of the skin. To do this, you need to briefly leave the mass on the affected area, then try to squeeze out or remove the foreign body with tweezers or a needle. It is important to be careful that the splinter does not go deeper, otherwise it will be much more difficult to get rid of it.

How to properly pull out a deep splinter

A splinter penetrates deeply if it is sharp and small or inserted under the nails. How to remove a splinter if it is deep in the foot, heel or nail? The nail is less sensitive to splinters than the skin; it will most likely come out on its own after a while.

Advice! If the splinter is deep under the nail, causes severe pain or is not visible, then it is better to consult a specialist. A surgeon or traumatologist will quickly and easily relieve you of discomfort.

If the tip is visible, it will be possible to pull the splinter out from under the nail with a needle. Preliminary disinfection of the instrument and the lesion site will eliminate possible complications. Under a magnifying glass and in good light, the splinter will become more visible, which will speed up the result. It is necessary to try to pry the splinter and bring it closer to the edge of the nail plate.

Adhesive tape (scotch tape, plaster or electrical tape) will help get rid of fragile and small splinters on the feet and palms, for example, from fiberglass, metal shavings, some plant species.Before manipulation, you should wash your hands and the affected area with splinters, dry the skin thoroughly with a towel, but do not rub! Next, you should prepare the necessary piece of adhesive tape and glue it to the area affected by a splinter or splinters. After peeling off the tape, you must carefully examine it – a splinter should remain on the sticky part.

Using glue, you can remove a deep splinter from your finger. For this, ordinary glue for paper and cardboard or PVA is suitable. The substance is applied to the area with a splinter, then you should wait about half an hour until the glue dries a little, and pull on the hardened part – slowly so that the splinter comes out with the substance.Next, you need to remove the remnants of the glue and make sure that there are no splinters in the skin. Otherwise, repeat the procedure.

Important! It is forbidden to use superglue to remove splinters!

Hypertonic solution will help get rid of a splinter that is deep and hard to see. The product is a highly salted hot water. For cooking, you should take 2-3 tablespoons of salt and dilute in half or a whole glass of boiling water. When the solution gets cold so that the skin can endure, you need to immerse the area with a splinter in the product or make a hot compress.Next, you should apply a loose bandage and wait until the splinter becomes better visible – then it can be removed with tweezers or a needle.

Useful information: Hot and concentrated saline solution, the medical name “hypertonic solution”, relieves swelling and inflammation, disinfects the skin and reduces pain.

After the splinter has successfully come out, you should wait for the bleeding to stop and treat the remaining wound with medical alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine.If the scratch is superficial, it will heal quickly and easily. A bactericidal substance should be applied to a deep wound – ointment or powder. If the splinter mark is in the area of ​​the folds, then it is recommended to apply a bandage.

When a doctor’s help is needed

At home, it is better to remove only those splinters that have fallen shallowly into the skin. If a foreign body is in the area of ​​the face or neck, dirt gets into the eyes or respiratory tract, then urgent medical attention is needed. Emergency hospitalization is required if a splinter enters a nerve or muscle, which causes severe pain and restricts movement.

Situations when medical attention is needed:

• with repeated and unsuccessful attempts to pull out the splinter on their own;
• if a splinter gets into the eyes or in the periocular region;
• if the splinter wound is deep and contaminated;
• splinter caused by animals, obtained from meat or fish;
• tetanus vaccination has been carried out for a long time and there is a possibility of infection.

Tip! Woody and organic splinters – chips, thorns, dry grass, as well as splinters of animal origin – scales, claws, bones, and so on – contribute to the development of infection.Splinters made of inorganic materials – plastic, glass, metal – are painful in themselves, but they do not provoke an infection in the skin.

If the splinter is not completely removed, suppuration is very likely. Among the main signs of infection are swelling, discharge and severe pain, redness, local or general fever. You cannot fight these symptoms on your own; here you need to consult a doctor.

Without treatment, a small splinter can cause a lot of trouble.It is necessary to get rid of it quickly. If you cannot do this yourself, you should contact a specialist. A splinter removed in time is the prevention of infection and complications, the guarantee of good health and preservation of health.

How to remove a splinter – “CM-Clinic” St. Petersburg

You can remove a splinter at home if it has gotten shallow under the skin and you can see its end. If the splinter has entered deeply, or is under the nail, you will have to seek help from a doctor.

Due to improper removal of the splinter, the wound can fester and cause a lot of trouble.

To carry out this procedure correctly, first wash your hands with soap and treat the spot where the splinter has gotten with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. To remove the splinter, you will need needle and tweezers. Hold the tweezers in the peroxide for a while, and ignite the needle.

If the tip of the splinter is clearly visible, grasp it with tweezers and carefully pull it out.If the end is under the skin, try to free it by picking up the splinter with a thin needle. Remove the splinter in the direction in which it entered the skin. Pulling a splinter straight when it comes in at an angle can break it.

To remove a splinter that has gone deep under the skin, smear with tar on the affected area and apply a sterile bandage for a couple of hours. Tar will soften the skin and the tip of the splinter will come out on its own. But you should not use the means on oil-based , a splinter can hide from them even deeper.

Do not use a needle to pick out the area where the splinter has fallen, and do not make the incision yourself. This way you can infect.

After you managed to get the splinter, squeeze out a drop of blood and treat the wound with iodine or brilliant green, and stick a bactericidal plaster.

For the removal of splinter from under the nail , contact the trauma center . This is a hard-to-reach area; it is almost impossible to pull out a splinter from there on your own.

If the place from which the splinter was removed turns red and does not heal within a couple of days, it is likely that an infection has entered the wound and an inflammatory process has begun. In this case, contact the surgeon .

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How to quickly remove a splinter and not earn new problems

Before you get a splinter, assess the extent of the damage.Go to the doctor and do not try yourself if:

1. The wound is dirty, and the skin around it is reddened and throbbing.
2. The splinter is large and deep under the skin.
3. Splinter in a hard-to-reach or sensitive place: under the nail, in the eye or near it, on the mucous membranes.
4. An extraordinary case. For example, a poisonous plant has awarded you a thorn under your skin.

In traditional situations where the splinter is a regular piece of wood, metal or glass stuck in the top layers of the skin of your fingers, palms or heels, follow the instructions.

Step 1. Prepare your tools

You will need tissue paper, a germicidal patch, tweezers, a safety pin or sewing needle, a bright light source, and a magnifying glass or glasses if the splinter is difficult to see.

A syringe needle can be used instead of a sewing needle. It is already sterile and does not need disinfection.

If you don’t have tweezers, find at least some tape.

Step 2. Disinfect instruments and wound

Wash your hands with soap or an antiseptic.Treat the wound with chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or an alcohol-based solution. Dry the wounded area with a napkin so that the tweezers do not slip.

Disinfect the tweezers and needle with alcohol, an alcohol-based solution (such as strong alcohol), and an alcohol wipe. If you don’t have anything alcoholic, but you have a lighter, use it: hold the needle over the fire until the tip turns red.

Step 3. Examine the splinter

Consider at what angle and how deep the splinter is.Do not squeeze the skin to squeeze out the foreign body: this can break the chip and drive it even deeper.

Small splinters that do not cause much discomfort should not be touched at all: they will come to the surface of the skin by themselves in a couple of days.

Step 4. Remove the splinter

If the tip of the splinter sticks out of the skin, pinch it with tweezers and pull it out at the same angle at which the splinter entered the skin.

If the tip of the splinter is not visible on the surface, pick up the skin with a needle.If the skin is rough and does not give in, steam it in a bath of baking soda or chamomile. Push the sliver with a needle and pull it out with tweezers.

Didn’t work? Then it is better to see a doctor, and not to pick out the wound even more.

If there are no tweezers, and scotch tape is right at hand, use it: not the most effective way, but, for example, it will cope with small thorns from a cactus. Apply masking tape to the injured area and pull.

Never use banana peels, birch tar, a mixture of vinegar and clay, potatoes or bacon to remove a splinter.This is unhygienic and can be dangerous.

Step 5. Disinfect the wound again

If the operation was successful, treat the wound with an antiseptic and cover with a bactericidal plaster. It, unlike a conventional adhesive plaster, not only protects against infection, but also speeds up the healing process.