How can you safely remove a wood splinter from your finger. When should you seek medical attention for a splinter infection. What are the risks associated with untreated wood splinter infections. How do doctors diagnose and treat foreign bodies in the hand.

Understanding Wood Splinter Infections in the Hand

Wood splinters in the finger can be more than just a painful nuisance; they can lead to serious infections if not properly addressed. These tiny invaders can introduce bacteria into the body, potentially causing inflammation, swelling, and even systemic infections if left untreated. Understanding the risks and proper management of wood splinter infections is crucial for maintaining hand health and preventing complications.

Common Symptoms of Wood Splinter Infections

• Redness and swelling around the affected area
• Increased pain or tenderness
• Warmth in the surrounding skin
• Pus or fluid discharge
• Fever or chills (in severe cases)

Are wood splinter infections always obvious? Not necessarily. Some infections may develop slowly, with symptoms appearing gradually over time. This is why it’s important to monitor the site of a splinter injury, even if it appears minor at first.

Effective Techniques for Wood Splinter Removal

Removing a wood splinter promptly and safely is key to preventing infection. Here are some proven techniques for splinter removal:

1. Clean the area thoroughly with soap and water
2. Use sterilized tweezers to grasp and pull out the splinter
3. For deeply embedded splinters, try soaking the area in warm water with Epsom salts
4. Use a sterilized needle to gently lift the edge of the splinter
5. Apply a drawing salve to help bring the splinter closer to the surface

Can all splinters be removed at home? While many can be safely extracted using these methods, some deeper or more problematic splinters may require professional medical attention.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Splinter Infections

Knowing when to consult a healthcare professional is crucial in managing splinter infections. Seek medical attention if:

• The splinter is deeply embedded and cannot be removed at home
• Signs of infection persist or worsen after removal attempts
• You experience severe pain, swelling, or redness
• There’s a noticeable red streak extending from the splinter site
• You develop a fever or feel generally unwell

Is it possible for a splinter to cause serious complications? Yes, in rare cases, untreated splinter infections can lead to more severe conditions such as cellulitis or even sepsis, highlighting the importance of proper care and timely medical intervention when necessary.

Medical Imaging Techniques for Locating Foreign Bodies

When a splinter or other foreign body is difficult to locate visually, medical professionals may employ various imaging techniques to pinpoint its position. These methods are particularly useful for deeply embedded objects or when infection is suspected but the source is not apparent.

X-ray Imaging for Foreign Body Detection

X-rays are often the first-line imaging method used to locate foreign bodies in the hand. They are particularly effective for detecting:

• Metal objects (copper, iron, aluminum, steel, tin)
• Calcium-containing materials (teeth, tooth fragments, some fish spines)
• Certain types of gravel, plastics, coral spicules, and some glass

Is an X-ray always sufficient to detect a foreign body? No, while X-rays are useful for many materials, they may not show all types of foreign bodies. A normal X-ray result does not definitively rule out the presence of a foreign object.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

When X-rays are inconclusive, healthcare providers may turn to more sophisticated imaging methods:

1. Ultrasound: Effective for detecting wood, thorns, and other materials not visible on X-rays
2. Computerized Tomography (CT) scans: Useful for deeper foreign bodies or those near bones
3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Can provide detailed images of soft tissues and foreign objects

Do these advanced imaging techniques have any advantages over X-rays? Yes, ultrasound, in particular, can provide real-time imaging, determine the size, shape, and depth of foreign bodies, and even detect multiple objects or associated abscesses.

Factors Influencing Treatment of Foreign Bodies in the Hand

The approach to treating foreign bodies in the hand depends on various factors, each playing a crucial role in determining the most appropriate course of action.

Material Composition of the Foreign Body

Different materials can elicit varying responses from the body:

• Plant-based materials (wood, thorns): More likely to cause inflammation and infection
• Animal-derived foreign bodies (from bites or marine creatures): High risk of infection and potential toxicity
• Synthetic materials (glass, metal, plastic): Generally less reactive but can cause mechanical injury

Why do plant-based foreign bodies pose a higher infection risk? Plant materials often harbor bacteria and can break down in the body, providing a fertile environment for microbial growth.

Location and Depth of the Foreign Body

The position of the foreign body within the hand significantly influences treatment decisions:

• Superficial objects: Often easier to remove and may cause less damage
• Deep-seated objects: May require more invasive procedures for removal
• Objects near vital structures (tendons, nerves, joints): Pose higher risks and may necessitate surgical intervention

Does the depth of a foreign body always correlate with the severity of symptoms? Not necessarily. Even superficial foreign bodies can cause significant discomfort or infection if they introduce harmful bacteria or irritate sensitive tissues.

Infection Types and Their Impact on Treatment

Understanding the different types of infections that can result from foreign bodies in the hand is crucial for effective treatment. The nature of the infection can significantly influence the approach to care and the duration of treatment required.

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections are often the most immediate concern with foreign bodies in the hand. They can develop rapidly and cause acute symptoms:

• Quick onset of symptoms (within hours to days)
• Often treatable with targeted antibiotics
• May require surgical drainage if abscesses form

How quickly can a bacterial infection develop from a splinter? In some cases, signs of bacterial infection can appear within 24-48 hours of the injury, especially if the foreign body introduced harmful bacteria into the wound.

Fungal and Atypical Mycobacterial Infections

These types of infections present unique challenges:

• Slower onset of symptoms (weeks to months)
• Difficult to diagnose through standard laboratory tests
• Often require prolonged treatment with specialized medications
• May necessitate multiple surgical interventions

Why are fungal and atypical mycobacterial infections more challenging to treat? These organisms grow slowly and can be resistant to standard antibiotics, often requiring specialized antifungal or antimycobacterial treatments for extended periods.

Surgical Interventions for Foreign Body Removal and Infection Management

In some cases, surgical intervention becomes necessary to address foreign bodies in the hand and their associated infections. The type and extent of surgery depend on the specific situation and can range from minor procedures to more complex operations.

Indications for Surgical Removal

Surgery may be required in the following scenarios:

• Deep-seated foreign bodies that cannot be removed through less invasive means
• Objects near critical structures such as nerves, tendons, or joints
• Persistent or severe infections not responding to conservative treatment
• Abscesses requiring drainage

Is surgical removal always necessary for deep foreign bodies? Not always. If a deep foreign body is non-reactive and not causing symptoms, it may be monitored with regular follow-ups instead of immediate removal.

Surgical Procedures for Infection Management

Different types of infections may require specific surgical approaches:

1. Abscess drainage: Incision and drainage of infected fluid collections
2. Joint lavage: Cleaning and flushing of infected joints
3. Debridement: Removal of infected or necrotic tissue, particularly in cases of tendon or bone infection
4. Nerve repair: Exploration and repair of damaged nerves associated with foreign body injuries

How does surgery complement antibiotic therapy in treating hand infections? Surgery can remove the source of infection, drain accumulated pus, and create better conditions for antibiotics to work effectively, often leading to faster resolution of the infection.

Post-Treatment Care and Follow-Up

Proper care after foreign body removal and infection treatment is crucial for optimal healing and prevention of complications. This phase of treatment is as important as the initial intervention and requires diligence from both the patient and healthcare provider.

Wound Care and Monitoring

Following treatment, patients should adhere to these guidelines:

• Keep the wound clean and dry
• Change dressings as instructed by the healthcare provider
• Monitor for signs of persistent or recurrent infection
• Avoid submerging the affected area in water until advised it’s safe to do so

How long should a patient monitor the site after foreign body removal? It’s advisable to keep a close eye on the area for at least a week, or longer if there were complications or if instructed by the healthcare provider.

Follow-Up Appointments

Regular follow-up visits are essential to ensure proper healing:

1. Initial follow-up within a few days of treatment to assess early healing
2. Subsequent appointments to monitor progress and adjust treatment if necessary
3. Final check to confirm complete resolution and address any lingering concerns

What should patients report during follow-up appointments? Any persistent pain, swelling, redness, discharge, or limitation in hand function should be promptly reported to the healthcare provider.

Long-Term Considerations

Some patients may need to be mindful of long-term effects:

• Potential scarring and its impact on hand function
• Rehabilitation exercises to restore full range of motion and strength
• Ongoing sensitivity or discomfort at the site of injury

Can foreign body injuries lead to permanent changes in hand function? While most cases resolve completely with proper treatment, some complex injuries or severe infections may result in long-term changes that require ongoing management or adaptation.

Preventive Measures and Safety Precautions

Preventing foreign body injuries and subsequent infections in the hand is always preferable to treatment. Implementing proper safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of such incidents, especially in high-risk environments or activities.

Protective Gear and Safe Practices

To minimize the risk of foreign body injuries, consider the following precautions:

• Wear appropriate gloves when handling wood, gardening, or working with potentially hazardous materials
• Use safety goggles to protect eyes from flying debris
• Implement proper tool handling techniques to avoid accidents
• Keep work areas clean and free of potential splinter sources

How effective are gloves in preventing splinter injuries? While not 100% foolproof, wearing appropriate gloves can significantly reduce the risk of splinters and other foreign body injuries to the hands.

Immediate Care for Potential Foreign Body Injuries

If a foreign body injury occurs, prompt action can prevent complications:

1. Clean the area thoroughly with soap and water
2. Attempt safe removal if the object is visible and easily accessible
3. Apply an antiseptic and cover the wound if immediate removal is not possible
4. Seek medical attention if the object is deeply embedded or if there are signs of infection

Is it always safe to attempt removing a foreign body at home? While many superficial splinters can be safely removed at home, deep or complex foreign bodies should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to avoid complications.

Education and Awareness

Promoting awareness about the risks and proper management of foreign body injuries is crucial:

• Educate workers in high-risk professions about safety protocols
• Teach children about the importance of hand safety and what to do if they get a splinter
• Encourage prompt reporting of injuries in workplace settings

How can employers reduce the incidence of foreign body injuries in the workplace? By implementing comprehensive safety training programs, providing appropriate protective equipment, and maintaining a clean and hazard-free work environment, employers can significantly reduce the risk of foreign body injuries among their workforce.

In conclusion, while wood splinter infections and other foreign body injuries in the hand can be concerning, proper understanding, prompt action, and appropriate medical care can lead to successful outcomes. By combining preventive measures, timely intervention, and diligent follow-up care, the risks associated with these injuries can be effectively managed, ensuring optimal hand health and functionality.

Splinters and Other Foreign Bodies in the Hand

If you or your doctor cannot confirm the location of a foreign body in your hand, medical technology is another method of finding a foreign body. X-rays are often the first test ordered. Some types of metal that can be seen on x-ray include copper, iron, aluminum, steel, or tin. Materials such as teeth, tooth fragments, and some fish spines include calcium and can be visible on x-rays. Also, most gravel, plastics, coral spicules, and some types of glass may be visible on x-rays. Keep in mind that though x-rays can show some materials, they don’t show all objects, so a normal x-ray does not mean you are in the clear.

Other tests can be ordered if x-rays do not clearly show a foreign body. Performed by an experienced technician, an ultrasound is a very effective, low-cost, and comfortable test that bounces sound waves off the foreign body to create a brighter area on the screen. Wood, thorns, and other materials can be detected with ultrasound. Ultrasound can demonstrate if you are dealing with one or multiple foreign bodies, and this test can also determine their size, shape, location, direction, and depth. Ultrasound can also detect changes in the surrounding soft tissues and whether fluid is present to suggest an abscess.

Computerized tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also show foreign bodies. If the foreign body is deeper or near a bone, a CT may be required. CTs and MRIs are more expensive and may be considered based on the injury location and other patient-specific characteristics.

Many factors determine the treatment of foreign bodies. These include the kind of foreign material, the location, the patient’s symptoms, and the likelihood of infection.

Foreign bodies from plants, bite wounds, and marine creatures are more likely to cause reactions or infections. Bite wounds involve the crushing of tissue and other injury. This lowers the body’s ability to fight bacteria from the wound. Spines and spicules from marine animals can carry poisonous material. Some infections are caused by bacteria, which divide quickly and cause more severe symptoms early. Fungal and atypical mycobacterial infections often are slower-growing organisms, so those might not cause symptoms for weeks or months. These types of infections are much harder to grow in a laboratory to identify the cause of infection, and they are also harder to cure and may require medication for weeks or months, including one or more surgeries.

Wood slivers and thorns may cause inflammation, which makes the area swollen, red, warm, and painful. These symptoms mimic infection, so it can be difficult to separate inflammation from infection. Glass, metal, and plastic are synthetic products, not biologic structures, so they are less likely to cause inflammation and/or infection.

The location of the foreign body can dictate the need for removal. If it is deep, without symptoms, and non-reactive, no invasive treatment may be needed. It may only be followed with occasional office exams to monitor for developing problems. Examples are small pieces of metal or glass. Those close to the skin, tendons, nerves, or joints may be more painful with light pressure and will require removal. This could be due to symptoms or concern about further injury. Sharp glass and metal foreign bodies have caused injuries to vital structures.

Pain or suspected infection are the most common reasons for foreign body removal. Most foreign bodies that cause symptoms do not go away without a procedure. It is rare for the body to be able to break down the foreign body and get rid of it.

During a foreign body removal, the doctor may swab the wound to obtain a specimen and then send it to the lab to determine if an infection is present. Sometimes, the presence of an infection is obvious, and other times, it can be hard to tell just by looking at the wound. When infection is suspected, the doctor may prescribe the patient one or two antibiotics to start based on common organisms in your geographic location. If the wound culture grows bacteria in the lab, this can make picking an effective antibiotic easier.

Bacteria from human, dog, or cat bites often require different antibiotics than a thorn puncture. Microorganisms from marine animals are also very different from land animals. Deeper fluid collections or abscesses need surgical drainage and antibiotics. Infected joints, tendons, and bones require more involved surgeries and sometimes intravenous antibiotics for several weeks. Infected joints are opened and cleansed. Infected tendons and bones require the removal of very infected tissue, as well as pills or intravenous antibiotic medication.

Nerve injuries require exploration and repair because they do not usually heal without surgery. However, when nerve fibers are cut, residual numbness or weakness can be expected, even if the nerve could be repaired. Partial tendon tears can heal without surgery but may develop scarring that can limit motion. Sometimes, therapy alone can improve motion. Other times, a surgery called a tenolysis may be worth trying. Many completely severed tendons have an immediate loss of motion. Early wound exploration can help determine if there is an infection. If no infection is suspected, an early tendon repair can be performed. If an infection is present or suspected, the tendon repair would need to be delayed. When the infection is cured, a late repair can be performed.

Finally, after a puncture wound, a lump can form. This may take months or years to develop. The patient may not remember the puncture. The lump or mass can be tender. The most common post-traumatic mass is an epidermal inclusion cyst. It is thought that some skin cells get driven under the surface and survive. They continue to grow and secrete normal oils and protein, which gradually form a mass. Another post-traumatic mass is a pyogenic granuloma, which is a raised, red lump that easily bleeds. It usually requires removal and cauterization with silver nitrate or another electrocautery.

© 2022American Society for Surgery of the Hand.

This content is written, edited and updated by hand surgeon members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Find a hand surgeon near you.

Splinter Removal 101 (and How to Prevent Infection)

Ouch! If you’re working outdoors or in the kitchen, at some point in your lifetime you’ll encounter a splinter. Whether a sharp sliver of wood, a glass shard or other debris, splinters can be a real nuisance.

You may be tempted to ignore a splinter, especially if it doesn’t hurt. But a foreign object embedded in your skin can put you at risk for an infection—and no one should ever want that.

“Our skin is our natural barrier against the outside world. So when the skin is broken by a cut or puncture, that barrier is broken, and bacteria can then enter the body,” said Daniel Bates, MD, a physician lead at Banner Urgent Care. “If your body’s immune system can’t destroy them fast enough, the bacteria will start feeding off your body’s nutrients, growing, multiplying and damaging surrounding tissue. That’s why it’s important to clean out wounds to remove as much contaminating bacteria as possible.”

The more you can remove, the less there is for your immune system to clean up, and the better chances you have to prevent an infection.

While many incidents of splinters turn out to be no big deal and can be safely removed at home with a good pair of tweezers, there are cases where you’ll need to see a health care specialist. Dr. Bates shared what tools you’ll need and the steps to take to safely remove a splinter at home, and when you should leave it to the experts.

The first-aid supplies you’ll need to safely remove a splinter

• Soap and water. The best thing you can do to prevent infection in any wound is to wash it out with clean running water. You can use tap water or bottled water but avoid disinfectants like alcohol, iodine and hydrogen peroxide. “This actually kills the healthy tissue in your wound and can increase (not decrease) your risk of infection,” Dr. Bates said.
• Gauze, clean tissues, paper towel or cloth. You can use these to dry up the wound, apply pressure and clean up any bleeding.
• A good pair of tweezers. Tweezers have many uses, from self-care to pulling pesky splinters. A “good” pair will have a fine tapered point and the jaws should close evenly so you can grab fine objects like splinters and hairs.
• A fine sewing needle. This should have a thin enough point to stab into the side of a splinter and not simply push it around. It should also be long enough that you can get a good grip and have control. Too short, and you may not be able to get it out effectively.
• A good source of light. Having a good source of light is a must. Use a bright reading light, head lamp or other focused light source.
• Disinfectants (for the tools, not your wound). “These really have one purpose: to clean,” Dr. Bates said. “They should be used to disinfect your tools and skin that hasn’t been broken to remove bacteria before any invasive procedure.” If used in a wound and you’ll kill the healthy tissue you need to start the defense and repair process.

Steps to safely remove a splinter

Step 1: Rinse the area

A good rule of thumb is to run the wound under cold running water for 30 seconds. If you’re not near a water source, use about 20 ounces of bottled water to flush out the area. If the wound is dirty or greasy, use a gentle soap to clean the wound. As well, don’t forget to wash your hands with soap and water.

Step 2: Sterilize your tools

Use the disinfectant (iodine, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol) to sanitize your tweezers and/or needle.

Step 3: Remove the splinter

If the splinter is shallow enough, you can use a needle to gently scratch or pick the skin open above the splinter. Then you can either use the needle to back out the splinter or grasp the end with tweezers to pull it out.

Step 4: Rewash the area

Once you’ve removed the glass or wood splinter, clean the wound as well as you can with soap and water.

Step 5: Cover

Cover the wound with gauze or a clean bandage to stop bleeding and prevent contamination of the wound. If you prefer, you can use an antibiotic ointment, but it’s not necessary.

What to do when a splinter is no longer a DIY

“Keep a close eye on the wound for signs of infection,” Dr. Bates said. “If you begin to have increased redness and pain or puslike discharge, seek medical care as soon as possible.”

As well, if you’re not able to remove the pesky splinter, it occurs on a joint or it’s deeply embedded in your skin, you should see your health care provider or go to your local urgent care and have it removed to prevent infection.

“In general, any splinter that penetrates through the full thickness of the skin into the tissue below needs to be seen by a health care provider to determine whether the wound needs to be explored and whether preventive antibiotics need to be prescribed,” Dr. Bates said. “This is particularly true for treated wood products.”

Treated lumber is coated with antifungal chemicals to prevent rot. Without the natural wood fungus, more aggressive bacteria tend to grow in the wood, and they can cause some devastating infections.

Also, patients who have diabetes should be very careful with wounds on the feet. “I would recommend any diabetic patients who have any foot wound that goes through the full thickness of the skin should be evaluated,” advised Dr. Bates.

To find a Banner Health specialist or to find the nearest urgent care, visit bannerhealth.com.

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• Scorpion Stings: Myths and Facts

Wellness

What will happen if the splinter is not pulled out

Likbez

Health

July 14

Depending on what kind of thorn and where it is.

What happens if the splinter is not removed

Any foreign body irritates our tissues: the body tries to fight the foreigner, so inflammation begins. The skin around the splinter turns red, the wound swells and hurts.

Everything will be even worse if microbes penetrate the skin along with a chip or a splinter. True, the material matters here: due to more contaminated “live” splinters, for example, wood chips and plant thorns, the infection joins faster than due to “non-living” ones – metal shavings or glass fragments.

In what cases can a splinter not be pulled out? This applies to cases where the wound is very small, painless, does not cause discomfort, and the fragment is close to the surface of the skin. Then it makes sense to wait a bit.

But with some splinters, it is better to leave independent attempts and go to the emergency room.

What kind of splinters should you bring to the emergency room?

Sometimes even a small splinter can lead to serious inflammation. You will definitely need medical attention if:

• a splinter has entered the skin near the eye or under the nail;
• there are signs of infection such as redness, fever at the site, white or yellow discharge from the wound;
• the splinter has entered perpendicular to the skin surface and only a small dot is visible;
• the splinter is deep or broken when trying to remove it;
• it could not be pulled out in 10-15 minutes.

How to pull a splinter out yourself

Other splinters, pieces of glass and other foreign particles can be pulled out by yourself. For this you need:

• wash your hands;
• wash the splinter with tap water and soap;
• soak the needle and tweezers with boiling water or alcohol, or place the tips of the instruments on fire for a few seconds;
• carefully pick up the splinter with a tool and pull it out;
• wash the wound again;
• if desired, apply an ointment with antibiotics or healing agents;
• tape if necessary.

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What happens if you don’t pull a splinter out of your finger: dangerous consequences.

It’s amazing how such a small “thing” as a splinter can bring such big problems and inconvenience. No wonder, because with its penetration under the skin, numerous bacteria enter, which in the future lead to problems. Therefore, if correct and consistent actions are not taken in time to remove it, this can lead to serious complications. So how do you get a splinter out of your finger?

Possible consequences

To begin with, let’s figure out what the untimely removal of a splinter can threaten. Quite often, faced with such a problem as the penetration of a piece of wood, glass or metal under the skin, most people ignore it, justifying this by the fact that the body itself will get rid of the unwanted “guest”. But such actions often lead to serious problems, including blood poisoning.

It should be remembered that if an infected splinter has penetrated the skin, and there is no timely visit to the doctor, this may threaten sepsis, which will lead to urgent amputation of the damaged part of the leg or arm.

Glass

If a piece of glass has penetrated the skin, its presence is quite easy to determine by throbbing pain, this is due to the fact that the foreign body with a sharp end presses on the nerve endings. If such a problem is ignored, inflammation can develop, which will lead to swelling and subsequent suppuration. The infection will spread rapidly through the bloodstream, possibly leading to blood poisoning.

If the foreign body that has penetrated the skin is not infected and the area around it does not turn red, then you can remove it yourself. So how to pull a splinter out of your finger correctly and quickly?

Basic rules for removing a splinter

As a rule, the smaller the chip that has penetrated, the more pain and problems it brings, so below we will look at how to pull a splinter out of a toe or hand if it is “settled” shallowly.

If the scenario has become more complex, for example, a splinter or a splinter is deeply stuck under the skin, in this case it is better to use the help of doctors, they already know exactly how to pull a splinter out of a finger without consequences.

Steps to take before visiting a doctor

1. Treat the chip entry site with iodine as often as possible.
2. Take a small container, pour boiling water into it (the water should be as hot as you can stand it), add a few teaspoons of salt. Place your injured finger there and hold until the water cools.
3. Take a piece of bread. Sprinkle generously with salt and chew until mushy. Apply the crumb to the adhesive tape and apply to the damaged area. The holding time of the compress should be at least 6 hours.

Folk remedies

Oddly enough, but folk methods for removing splinter are quite effective. Therefore, below we will offer several effective traditional medicine. So, how to pull a splinter out of a finger with folk remedies?

Ichthyol ointment

This method is effective if you are wondering how to remove a splinter from your finger without pain. This ointment is sold without a prescription. Apply a small amount of “ichthyolka” to the damaged area and keep at least a day. Seal the smeared area with adhesive tape. The splinter will come out on its own. The disadvantage of the ointment is a very unpleasant odor and a rather oily consistency.

How to get a splinter out of a child’s finger?

In this case, all of the above methods apply. The only important nuance is keeping calm. Do not shout or be nervous, otherwise the problem will worsen even more. If the baby is not given in any way, try to persuade him, tell him how strong and brave he is, how mom and dad will be proud of him if he suffers a little. If this method does not work, occupy it with something, and during the game, try to pull out a foreign object from a small finger. Remember that your hands and the hands of the baby must be clean at this moment, otherwise you can get an infection. These rules apply only to a slightly stuck splinter, but if a splinter or a splinter has penetrated deep under the skin, do not expect miracles, consult a doctor, he knows exactly how to pull a splinter out of a child’s finger without consequences.

If the child is very small, what should be done in this case?

If the problem has touched a very small crumb, then you should act with extreme caution. First, disinfect the damaged area with hydrogen peroxide or a conventional antiseptic. After that, call a doctor. In the meantime, the doctor is driving, place the baby’s finger in warm water with salt and soda. If the splinter does not come out, try attaching an aloe leaf or a crumb of bread to your finger (these methods are described above).

Smile at the child so that he feels your support, distract him with something. If the splinter has entered shallowly, try to remove it yourself, but only if the baby is calm or sleeping. Otherwise, wait for the doctor.

In order not to often think about how to pull a splinter out of a small child’s finger, think about what you can do to stop this situation in the future. To do this, exclude from the field of view and access of the crumbs objects that may pose a danger to him. Be careful, because a fragile children’s body is quite hard going through such situations.

Splinters come in all shapes and sizes. However, they all bring pain. Oddly enough, usually the smallest fragments cause more problems and discomfort, because they are difficult to pull out of the finger. Fortunately, there are many different ways to get a splinter.

Tips

1. Do not apply pressure. Don’t even squeeze the skin to try and pull the splinter out. If the shard is sharp, the pressure will drive it even deeper into the skin. In addition, by squeezing, you can break the shard into small pieces.

2. Wash and dry the area with soap and water. Be gentle. Wipe the skin dry (with a paper towel that absorbs moisture well). It is not necessary that, for example, wood chips be damp.

3. Examine the splinter under a magnifying glass. The size of the shard and the angle at which it is lodged in your skin will help you choose the best method for removal.

4. Remove the shard. Remove the splinter using one or a combination of the following methods.

5. Clean the damaged area. Apply antibacterial ointment and band-aid while the toe heals. Watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus).

Painless splinter removal

This method is completely painless and takes about one day. Buy ichthyol ointment, it is sold without a prescription in a pharmacy. The ointment may not be on display, but ask the pharmacist, Ichthyol is usually available in every pharmacy. Apply a small amount of ointment to the splinter and cover the finger with adhesive tape. After a day, remove the patch, a sliver usually comes out on its own. Be careful not to smear the ointment, as it is greasy and has an unpleasant odor.

Soda method

This method is best for tiny, invisible chips. Make a paste with water and about 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. Put baking soda on the bandage and stick it to the affected area. Remove the bandage after 24 hours.
The shard should stick out of the skin.
If it is visible, pull it out with tweezers.
If the splinter is hard to see, then gently rinse the skin with water.
Repeat the method with new paste and keep the bandage on for 24 hours until the shard comes out.
It is best to use this method after others.

Adhesive plaster method

1. Carefully adhere the adhesive plaster with the adhesive base to the skin with the fragment.
2. Pull it in the opposite direction to release the splinter.

Forceps method

This method is most familiar to us from childhood. It works best when the splinter is visible and sticks out above the surface of the skin.

1. Sterilize the tip of the tweezers with alcohol.

2. Hold a magnifying glass over the shard and locate the protruding part of the wood chip. Get the splinter in a room with good lighting. If the shard is sticking up or at an angle, continue to the next step. If it has entered horizontally in relation to the skin, do not use this method, it is better to use a needle or nail clippers.

3. Take the tip of the shard with tweezers. Have someone hold a magnifying glass while helping you. If you can’t grab it without squeezing the skin, try another method.

4. Pull the splinter in the direction it entered the skin. For example, if it went at a slight angle, don’t pull it up or it will most likely break.

Needle method

Use this method if the splinter has entered the skin horizontally and is visible under the skin. This is not a very good method if the fragment is deep or under a thick layer of skin (for example, on the heel of the foot).

1. Sterilize the tip of the needle with alcohol.

2. Locate where the splinter entered the skin.

3. Insert the needle shallowly into the skin.

4. Open the skin just above the splinter with the tip of the needle. Make scraping movements.

5. You should see a shard.

6. Use tweezers to pull out the splinter if the tip sticks out. Otherwise, you may need to use a needle to gently push the wood out. If something does not work out, use the method with soda.

This step requires a very steady hand and very good eyesight.

Nail clippers / blade

This method is suitable if the fragment has entered not deep, under thick and not very sensitive skin, for example, in the heel of the foot or the ball of the toe (if you have thick skin).

1. Sterilize the sharp edges of the wire cutters with alcohol.

2. Bite off the excess skin above the splinter with a pair of wire cutters, or use a blade (parallel to the splinter). It should not hurt, you should feel the same as you feel when trimming the cuticle.

3. Gently open the incision and you will see the splinter.

4. Use tweezers to pull it out if the tip sticks out. Otherwise, you may need to use a needle to gently push the shard.

Potato method

1. Cut a potato into a slice.

2. Place a piece on the chip (yellow side down) .

3. Hold it there for a while and the potato may pull the splinter out.

4. Do not apply pressure.

Keep in mind that most small splinters will come out of the skin on their own within a few days or a week. Sometimes it’s easier and less harmful to let the body heal itself. Watch for any signs of infection, though this is unlikely but possible.

You can dry the area with a splinter with alcohol instead of peroxide.

If the splinter is severe, have a healthcare professional look at it. Don’t take it out yourself.

A splinter stuck under the skin can be anything: wood chips, small metal shavings, plant thorns, fish bones, glass shards, etc. Even a small foreign body can sometimes cause big trouble, so everyone is advised to know how to pull out a splinter safely and painlessly.

How to pull out a splinter with a needle?

It is impossible to ignore the entry of a splinter into the tissues of the body, even if at first it does not cause much pain and discomfort. This is due to the fact that microorganisms penetrate under the epidermis with it, some of which can be very dangerous. If you do not remove the foreign particle in the coming hours, inflammation often occurs, the skin around it hurts, swells and turns red. Further development of purulent process, infectious gangrene, sepsis is possible. In view of this, it is extremely important to remove the splinter as quickly as possible.

Before removing a splinter, you should carefully examine the injured area of ​​the skin (preferably with a magnifying glass), assess how deep it has entered, at what angle, and whether its tip is visible. Next, you need to wash the affected area with soap, dry it and treat it with any antiseptic: hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, alcohol solution, boric acid, miramistin, or others. Hands also need to be treated.

When the tip of a splinter is visible above the skin, it is easiest to remove it with fine-tipped tweezers. This should be done at the same angle at which the foreign body stuck into the skin. If the tip is not visible, it broke off, or there were no tweezers at hand, you can use a sewing needle, from a pin or from a medical syringe. When using a non-sterile needle, it must be disinfected before the procedure by boiling, treating with alcohol or calcining over a flame.

How do you get a splinter out of your finger?

In most cases, when the question is how to pull out a splinter, there is a situation with a foreign body getting into the thickness of the skin on the finger. It is important to know that it is impossible to put pressure on the skin, trying to remove a splinter, because. you can drive it even deeper and break it. If a splinter is found in the finger, even if its tip is long, you should not immediately start removing it. Always before this you need to wash your hands, disinfect the skin and the tools used. This must be done in a well-lit area as follows:

1. Slowly and carefully insert the needle under the skin at the protruding tip of the foreign body, trying to get into it, while holding the needle perpendicular to the splinter and as parallel as possible to the skin.
2. Prying the splinter, turn the needle with the tip up, trying to push the foreign body out.
3. If this fails or the splinter is located horizontally in the skin, use a needle to slightly break the layer of skin above the foreign body, then slowly pry and push it out.

After removal, the damaged area must be properly disinfected and sealed with adhesive tape to prevent the entry of infectious agents from the outside. For some time, it is better not to wet the finger. If all attempts to independently pull out a splinter with a needle have failed, you can try using other home methods or consult a doctor immediately.

How to get a splinter out from under a nail?

A chip or other small object that has fallen under the nail always causes pain, because the nail plate hides many nerve endings under it. When there is a splinter under the nail, what to do in this case must be decided depending on the depth of its occurrence. If the upper part of it is available, you can try to remove it yourself. It is advisable, if possible, to pre-steam the tip of your finger in warm soapy water, which will allow you to slightly move the nail plate away from the skin.

The procedure should be carried out after careful treatment with an antiseptic. If the pain is severe, you can drop a little solution – a local anesthetic – onto the damaged area. Next, with a sterile needle, pry off the skin near the splinter, try to hook it and remove it, process it again, stick a patch or bandage it.

Splinter in the leg

Splinters often get into the skin of the feet, and in this case it is likely that the foreign body will get stuck deep. The tissues on the feet are very dense, sometimes coarse, so extraction is even more complicated. When there is a splinter in the leg, what to do, the following recommendations will prompt:

1. Steam the affected foot for a quarter of an hour in hot water with baby soap and baking soda to soften the fabrics.
2. Dry the leg, apply antiseptic to the splintered area, hands and needle.
3. Prying the skin with the needle, pull the foreign body out.
4. Disinfect your leg.
5. If there is an assumption that the splinter is not completely removed, apply Vishnevsky ointment or ichthyol ointment to the wound and bandage it.

How to pull out a splinter without a needle?

There are many ways to get a splinter out of a finger or other parts of the body without using any tools. Often they are used when the penetrated foreign body is very small, and it is difficult to see and hook it with anything. Consider a few popular techniques on how to pull a splinter out of the skin without using a needle.

How to remove a splinter with soda?

Removing a splinter using this method is based on the fact that under the influence of soda, the skin tissues swell, and it comes to the surface on its own. It is required to combine baking soda with boiled water in such a proportion as to obtain a pasty mixture. Then soda is applied to the affected area treated with an antiseptic and fixed with a gauze bandage. After a day, the bandage is removed, the skin is washed with water.

How to pull out a splinter with a jar?

Another way to remove a splinter without a needle is as follows. It is required to take a small jar with a wide neck, which must be filled almost to the brim with hot water. After that, the affected part of the body is pressed against the neck of the container. After a few minutes, according to the laws of physics, the splinter should come out. Using this method to remove a foreign body from a finger, you need to use a bottle instead of a can.

How to remove a splinter with wax?

An effective way to quickly remove a splinter without using tools is based on the properties of wax. This method can be used to remove a splinter under the nail. To do this, you need to take a piece of a wax candle, melt it in a water bath and drip a little on the area with a splinter (move the nail slightly away from the skin). You can simply light a candle and drip with melting wax. After hardening, the wax is removed along with the foreign body (it is easy to pick up the edge).

What to do if the splinter has gone deep?

A more difficult problem is how to pull out a deep splinter, the tip of which does not reach the skin surface. In such cases, agents are used that have a softening and resolving effect, under the influence of which the foreign body is pulled out without mechanical influences. It should be borne in mind that it will not be possible to quickly get rid of trouble through such methods.

Splinter Compress

For those who are looking for methods to remove a deep splinter from a finger or other areas, we suggest using compresses. They should be performed after treating the skin in the area of ​​the splinter with a disinfectant. In addition, it does not hurt to steam the fabrics a little in warm water. A deep splinter is eliminated by applying the following types of compresses:

1. Fresh potatoes, grated into gruel.
   It must be applied, wrapped with polyethylene on top, kept for 8-10 hours.
2. Banana peel.
   Put a piece of skin on the affected area with the inside, hold for at least 6 hours.
3. Birch tar.
   Apply a small amount to the skin, cover with polyethylene and bandage, leave overnight.
4. Pork fat.
   Cut off a thin piece, apply and secure with adhesive tape for 10 hours.
5. Aloe juice.
   Soak a piece of gauze folded four times with freshly squeezed juice and apply, fixing, for 5-6 hours.
6. Bread.
   Chew a piece of bread pulp sprinkled with salt and apply to the area with a splinter for 4-5 hours, fixing it with a plaster or bandage.

If none of the above methods of how to get a deep splinter does not give a positive result, and you cannot remove the foreign body within 1-2 days, you should not postpone your visit to the medical facility. Be sure, without resorting to any home methods, you should consult a doctor if the foreign body is stuck in the skin of the face, neck, in the eye, and also when the splinter under the nail is deep (perhaps, removal of part of the nail plate is required for extraction).

A splinter abscesses – what to do?

Often, if the stuck piece is not removed or is not completely removed, suppuration occurs. This means that pyogenic bacteria have penetrated into the tissues along with the splinter. Any abscess, even a small one, is dangerous, because. can go to the surrounding tissue and lead to. If a splinter has festered, what to do, it is better to ask a doctor by contacting at the first adverse signs. Prior to this, a swab moistened with an antiseptic should be applied to the suppuration or a bandage with an antibacterial ointment should be applied (Levomekol, etc.).

It’s amazing how such a small and thin mote called a splinter can bring such painful sensations? But she does it quite simply! Today we learn from the finger. When we find a splinter in the finger, the first thing we think about is how to get rid of it as soon as possible. Our instinctive thought is absolutely correct! After all, a splinter is an insidious thing. Together with it, microbes and dirt penetrate the skin. If nothing is done, then you can easily pick up some kind of inflammation or even face suppuration!

from the finger: sequence of actions

First you need to assess the situation in an objective way. Examine the affected finger carefully. The fact is that such an injury is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it’s okay if part of the splinter could not completely enter under the skin and remained on the surface, but on the other hand, it’s not so easy if it is completely stuck in the soft tissues of your finger! If the scenario has taken on a worse development (the splinter has entered the finger completely), then immediately contact them. They know perfectly well how to pull the splinter out of the finger if it is completely penetrated. If you are lucky (a splinter sticks out of your finger), act on your own.

How to remove a splinter from your finger at home

1. Prepare a reliable pair of tweezers (or a needle), fill a bowl with warm water and be sure to add baking soda (one teaspoon per glass of liquid).

2. Dip the hand in a bowl of water and steam the affected finger.

3. Prepare any disinfectant – alcohol, vodka, hydrogen peroxide, brilliant green.

4. Disinfect the tweezers (or needle). Be sure to perform the procedure in a well-lit area.

5. Remove your hand from the water. Soda has done its job – your skin around the problem area has softened. Now it will be much easier to pull out an insidious splinter.

6. Moisten a cotton ball with the prepared disinfectant and lightly wipe the splintered area with it.

7. Grasp the protruding tip of the splinter firmly with tweezers and pull. If you are using a needle, gently poke the splinter towards the exit from under the skin.

8. Make sure the splinter is removed. To do this, remember your finger a little – there should be no pain.

9. Wipe your finger again with disinfectant for a “test shot”.

Injury prevention. Children

In order to avoid unpleasant injuries such as splinters, certain safety rules must be followed.

In our time, childhood injuries are becoming more common, because the child is very energetic, hence the fractures, abrasions and, of course, splinters … That is why you need to carefully monitor your child, explain to him what “good” is, What is “bad”!

Adults

An adult, of course, is not as vulnerable to various injuries (in particular, splinters) as a child, but he cannot be completely sure of his safety. Basically, at risk are those people whose profession is somehow connected with wood – turners, carpenters, furniture makers, and so on. That is why at any production enterprises where there is contact with wood, safety precautions are introduced when working with wood.

If an infected person penetrates the skin and does not see a doctor in time, a person may catch tetanus or sepsis, as a result of which gangrene may develop on the damaged area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe limb, which will require urgent amputation of a finger, arm or leg. This is the maximum threat posed by unremoved splinters. If the skin around the driven sliver is not, it can be removed on its own, although some extreme people practice waiting for an abscess that brings the splinter along with pus to the surface of the skin.

A needle/tweezers and alcohol are enough to remove an uninfected splinter. But it must be removed without relying on luck.

If the splinter is a small shard of glass, its presence is easily identified by stabbing pain at the site of penetration, when the foreign body presses with a sharp tip on the nerve endings. If a glass splinter is ignored, the development of the inflammatory process occurs quite quickly and is characterized by edema, suppuration and acute throbbing pain. The infection can spread rapidly through the bloodstream and lead to blood poisoning, which in turn can be fatal.

How to deal with a splinter

Pulling out a splinter with your fingers is a dangerous and thankless task: it can simply break off, and its piece will still remain under the skin, as a result of which the inflamed foreign body will simply have to be cut out. Alternatively, you can try to squeeze the skin on both sides of the short splinter. Perhaps under pressure, she will come out on her own. Longer splinters should be carefully pry with a disinfected needle or narrow flat-tipped tweezers.

If the splinter sits too deep in the skin, it is strongly not recommended to open the wound – this can significantly worsen the situation.

You can also lower the part of the body with a splinter into soapy warm water for fifteen minutes, repeating this procedure several times – the skin will soften and easily release the foreign body. In this case, it is advisable to add a little potassium permanganate to the water in order to disinfect it.