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Splinters may be small, but they can still cause significant discomfort. If the splinter is large or painful, medical help may be needed to remove it. However, for smaller splinters that are just irritating, you can try the following techniques to safely remove the splinter and care for the wound.
Steps
Remove the splinter using tweezers
Clean the affected area. Before you begin removing the splinter, wash your hands and the skin around the splinter with warm water and soap. This step helps minimize the risk of infection.
- Wash your hands with mild soap and warm water for about 20 seconds.
- Clean the affected area with mild soap and warm water or antibacterial hand wash.
- Dry your hands and the area around the splinter before attempting removal.
Disinfect the tweezers with alcohol. Before using the tweezers to remove the splinter, make sure to sanitize them with medical alcohol to
reduce the risk of bacteria entering the wound.
Bacteria present in the wound can cause infection.Methods for disinfecting tweezers
Medical alcohol: Place the tweezers in a cup or bowl of alcohol for a few minutes, or use a sterilized cotton ball soaked in alcohol to wipe the tweezers. Alcohol can be purchased at pharmacies or medical supply stores. Grocery stores and other retail outlets also sell alcohol.
Heat: If you're short on time but need to disinfect the tweezers, hold the tip of the tweezers (the part that will touch the wound) over a flame. If the tweezers are made of metal, use another tool to hold the tweezers over the flame to avoid burns.
Boiling water: If the tweezers are not made of metal and may melt when exposed to heat, place them in a pot of boiling water for 20 minutes.
Use a magnifying glass and work in good lighting. Consider using a magnifying glass when removing the splinter. A magnifying glass will help you see more clearly and reduce the risk of injuring yourself further.
- At the very least, make sure you're working in a well-lit area so you can see the splinter better.
Incise and lift the skin over the splinter if necessary. If the splinter is under the skin, you can
use a sterilized needle to cut the skin and lift the layer of skin above the splinter.
Sterilize the needle by soaking it in alcohol or wiping it with alcohol. Then, use the needle to cut the skin and lift the skin flap above the splinter. This will make it easier to extract the splinter.- If the splinter is deeply embedded, consider seeing a doctor to minimize the risk of further injury.
Use tweezers to remove the splinter. Once you can see the tip of the splinter, use the tweezers to grip it near the surface of the skin.
Gently pull the splinter out in the direction it entered.
- If the tweezers need to be inserted deep into the skin to remove the splinter, you might want to consult a doctor for assistance.
- If the splinter breaks, you may also need to see a doctor or try using the tweezers again to grip it.
Removing a splinter using adhesive tape
Get some adhesive tape. Delicate splinters like thorns or fiberglass can be extracted using adhesive tape. You can use various types of tape such as masking tape, fabric tape, or electrical tape. You only need a small piece.
- Ensure that the skin around the splinter is clean and drybefore applying the tape.
- Wash and dry your hands before you begin the procedure.
Place a piece of tape over the splinter and press it firmly to adhere the tape to the splinter. Make sure to press gently to avoid pushing the splinter deeper into the skin.
Avoid pressing directly on the splinter's tip that entered the skin.
Remove the tape. Once you're confident the splinter is stuck to the tape, gently pull the tape off. Slowly peel it back in the direction the splinter entered. As you pull the tape away, the splinter will stick to it and be removed.
Examine the tape. After removing the tape, check to see if the splinter is attached to it. You should also inspect the skin to ensure no part of the splinter remains embedded. If the splinter is still partially or completely in the skin, repeat the process or try a different method.
Remove a splinter using glue
Apply glue to the splinter. You can use craft glue to extract a splinter. Just apply a thick layer of glue over the splinter and the surrounding skin, ensuring the splinter is fully covered by the glue.
- Avoid using super glue as it may tear off the skin and cause the splinter to get trapped inside.
- Hair removal creams or waxing strips can also be used similarly to glue for removing a splinter.
- Wash and dry your hands and the area around the splinter before starting.
Wait for the glue to dry. The glue needs to dry completely before you peel it off. Otherwise, it won't stick to the splinter. Leave the glue on for
30 minutes to an hour.
Occasionally check to see if the glue is dry. Once dry, the glue will no longer feel sticky or wet.
Peel off the glue layer. Once you're sure the glue has dried, slowly peel it off in the direction the splinter entered the skin. Pull evenly and gently. The splinter will be removed as the glue is pulled off.
Check for the splinter. After removing the glue, inspect it to see if the splinter is attached. Also, check the skin for any remaining part of the splinter. If you still find any part of the splinter, repeat the process or use another method.
Care for a wound caused by a splinter
Gently squeeze the wound. Once the splinter is removed, gently squeeze the wound until a small amount of blood begins to ooze. This will help expel any bacteria from the splinter out of the wound.
- Do not squeeze too hard. If the wound doesn’t bleed with gentle pressure, leave it alone. You can use other methods to clean out bacteria and germs, including antibiotic ointments.
- Rinsing the wound with warm water for at least a minute also helps to clean the surrounding skin.
Stop the bleeding if necessary. If the splinter caused bleeding when squeezed, or if the wound starts bleeding on its own, apply pressure to the wound to help control the bleeding. This can prevent excessive blood loss and reduce the risk of shock. Small wounds usually stop bleeding within a few minutes. If bleeding is excessive or won’t stop, seek medical care immediately.
How to stop bleeding
Try using gauze or cotton wool to press on the splinter wound until the bleeding stops.
If the wound has torn the skin, close the wound by pressing two pieces of sterile gauze or clean cloth on each side of the wound.
Raising the injured area above the level of the heart can also help control bleeding. For example, if the splinter is in your finger, raise your hand above your head until the bleeding stops.
Disinfect the injury. After removing the splinter, clean the wound with warm water and soap. This helps remove any remaining bacteria or germs. Once cleaned, you can apply an antibiotic ointment.
- Apply antibiotic ointment to the wounded area twice a dayto reduce the risk of infection.
- Ointments like bacitracin, neomycin, or polymyxin B are available. Many brands combine all three into one product, known as “triple antibiotic ointment.”
Bandage the wound. Once the bleeding has stopped and the wound is clean, it’s important to cover the wound with a bandage to prevent bacteria from entering. You can secure the gauze with medical tape or use an adhesive bandage. A compressive bandage can also help stop further bleeding.
Seek medical help
Determine whether you should remove the splinter at home or consult a doctor. Small splinters just under the skin can typically be removed safely at home. However, there are situations where a healthcare professional should assist with removal.
- If you’re unsure about the splinter’s condition or if it causes extreme pain, you should see a doctor immediately.
- If the splinter is deeper than 0.5 cm or has pierced muscles or nerves, visit a doctor for proper removal.
Visit a doctor or call emergency services for severe cases. If the splinter is deeply embedded in the skin, causing significant pain, cannot be removed, or you’re unable to do it yourself, seek medical help as soon as possible. This can help minimize the risk of a severe infection or further injury. You should also consult a doctor if:
- The splinter is in the eye
- The splinter cannot be easily removed
- The wound is deep and dirty
- Your last tetanus shot was over five years ago
Watch for signs of infection. If you notice any symptoms of infection at the site where the splinter was removed, it’s important to see a doctor immediately. The doctor can prescribe treatment and remove any remaining splinter fragments you might have missed. Signs of infection include:
Signs of Infection
Discharge from the wound site
Sharp pain at the wound
Redness or streaks of red in the affected area
Fever or sweating
Muscle spasms
Headache
Tight or sore muscles
Consider leaving the splinter in place. If the splinter is small and not causing pain, it may be fine to leave it in the skin.
The body may naturally push it out over time.
The skin might even form a small pimple around the splinter and expel it on its own.- Keep the affected area clean and watch for signs of infection. If you notice redness, heat, or pain, seek medical help.
Tips
- To numb the skin before removing the splinter, you can rub ice around the area, but not directly on the splinter. Dry the area before removal.
- Use tweezers, a nail clipper, or any tool to gently press around the splinter. Pressing the skin around the splinter will help lift it out.
- Soak the area with the splinter in warm water and then pull the splinter out.
- Applying Preparation H ointment to the injured area may reduce swelling and redness, helping to alleviate discomfort.
- Sprinkle salt on the injured area and then press ice against the salt-covered spot.
Warnings
- Be sure to keep the skin around the splintered area clean to minimize the risk of infection.
