Splinters can happen to anyone. They can be merely uncomfortable, but some splinters cause a great deal of pain. In most cases, it’s possible to remove them at home, without medical intervention. But it’s crucial to understand how to get a splinter out in a safe way.
Splinters 101
A splinter is usually a thin piece of wood that gets embedded in your skin. You can also get splinters from broken plastic, metal, or other materials. Children and adults are equally likely to get splinters. This injury can happen anywhere on your body, especially in the hands and the feet.
First, it’s important to identify when splinters require immediate medical attention. In any of the following cases, you should turn to a doctor right away.
- The splinter is close to the eyes or it went under a fingernail.
- The affected area already shows signs of infection. Sometimes, you don’t notice a splinter right away and it gets infected before you can do anything about it. Typical symptoms include reddened skin, as well as white or yellow discharge.
- You can also consult with a doctor if you think your splinter is unusually large or unusually deep.
- If you haven’t had a tetanus vaccine, it is best to speak to your doctor. While this disease is rare, it’s best to do all you can to prevent it. Note that tetanus boosters last around ten years. If it has been longer than that since you had a booster, you should get another one.
If you believe you can remove the splinter from your skin, you should take a careful and confident approach. Removal shouldn’t take longer than fifteen minutes. If it does, there’s a chance the splinter is positioned vertically, which means that it is exceptionally painful and difficult to get out. In this case, call your doctor.
You might also break the splinter while attempting to remove it. Again, it is best to seek out medical advice in order to prevent any complications.
How to Prepare for Splinter Removal at Home
Since it damages the surface of your skin, a splinter is actually a very small open wound. That means that it’s very prone to infection. Before you attempt to remove your splinter, there are two things you should do.
Wash Your Hands and the Affected Area
To prevent infection, you should start by washing your hands with soap and water. Then wash the area of your skin where the splinter is located. Some people also find it helpful to soak the splintered body part in warm water. After a few minutes, the skin will become softer, which will make it easier to remove the splinter.
Inspect the Impacted Area
Do a quick visual check to make sure there are no signs of infection. It’s important to note how the splinter is positioned, as horizontal splinters are easier to remove. You may want to use a magnifying glass for this.
How to Get a Splinter Out at Home?
There are a few different methods you can use to remove the splinter from your skin. Whatever option you go for, it’s crucial to sterilize all your equipment. You can use rubbing alcohol and cotton balls to do so.
1. Use Tweezers
Once the tweezers are disinfected, simply use them to pinch the splinter and slowly pull it out. Make sure to follow the same direction the splinter went in. If necessary, pinch your skin to make it tauter.
2. Use a Needle and Tweezers
For slightly deeper splinters, it could help to use a needle as well. To get to the splinter, use the needle to lift the skin. You might need to lightly break the skin as well. Remember that the needle has to be sterilized with alcohol first.
3. Pull the Splinters Out with Duct Tape or Packing Tape
If you have several small splinters in the same place, using tape can help. It’s also useful for removing deeper splinters.
You can gently press the tape to the splintered area, and move it around. The splinters will stick to the surface, and then you simply throw the tape away. Repeat this process several times if necessary.
The other option is to stick the tape to your skin and leave it. Thirty minutes later, carefully unpeel the tape and throw it away.
What to Do After the Splinter Is Removed
When the splinter is out, it’s important to wash your skin with soap and warm water again. Then, cover the area with antibiotic ointment. Once that is completed, cover it in a bandage.
A Word on Nail Splinters
Splinters under the nails can be extremely painful and prone to complications. In serious cases, anesthesia is applied. These procedures require anti-infection treatment and extended wound care. The same can apply to splinters under the toenail.
What Happens If You Decide Not to Remove a Splinter?
Wood splinters and other pieces of vegetable matter are especially likely to cause an infection. If you can’t get your wood splinter out, it is safest to look for professional help. Doctors may use scalpels to remove it from your skin.
Leaving the splinter in count lead to extremely painful infections. If you’re unlucky, this could lead to lumps forming under the skin, which can go on to damage the body’s lymphatic system. You can expect painful oozing, and there’s a risk of blood poisoning or other infections.
But what if you have a metal or glass or plastic splinter? If you can’t remove it, but it’s not causing you any pain or discomfort, it might be best to wait it out. Observe the splintered area carefully. At the first sign of infection, call your doctor.
A Final Thought
It’s not really possible to avoid all splinters. However, there are a few ways you can lower your own and your child’s risk of splinters.
If you’re planning to use wooden furniture of any kind, inspect it for signs of visible damage. Do the same with your children’s playground equipment and certain toys. It’s also crucial to wear shoes all the time while outside. Don’t go barefoot unless you’re sure it’s safe. Keeping your hands safe is important, too. Before you start working outdoors, make sure to put on a pair of sturdy gloves.
References:
https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/injured-skin/splinters
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0615/p2557.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tetanus/expert-answers/tetanus-shots/faq-20058209
https://www.who.int/ith/diseases/tetanus/en
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