How to Remove a Splinter Using Baking Soda

Occasionally, you can extract a splinter from your skin using baking soda and a bandage. Start by cleaning and drying the affected area, then apply baking soda to the spot where the splinter is lodged. Place a bandage over it, and after a few hours, remove the bandage; the splinter should come out with it. Remember to use antibiotic ointment to prevent infection, and seek medical attention if the splinter becomes infected. A splinter can also pose a tetanus risk, so ensure you are up to date on your Tdap vaccine (for tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough).

Do not try to squeeze the splinter out. When cleaning and inspecting the area where the splinter is lodged, you may feel tempted to squeeze the surrounding skin to get a better look. However, this could cause the splinter to break into smaller fragments or become even more deeply embedded in the skin. Never squeeze the splinter or the surrounding area in an attempt to remove it.

Inspect the skin where the splinter is embedded. Use a magnifying glass if necessary. You need to determine the size and angle at which the splinter entered the skin. This will help you avoid pushing the splinter deeper into the skin when applying medication and bandaging it with a personal adhesive bandage. Be sure not to press on the splinter in the direction it entered the skin.

Clean and dry the skin. Prevent infection by cleaning the area around the splinter before attempting to remove it. Wash the skin with soap and water, then gently pat dry with a paper towel.

• Remember to wash your hands before cleaning the area around the splinter.

Mix baking soda with water. Add a generous amount of baking soda into a small cup or another container, then gradually add water, stirring until you form a thick paste. There's no exact ratio for the mixture—just add enough water to create a spreadable paste.

Apply the paste to the skin. Using your finger or a paper towel, gently dab the baking soda paste onto the splinter. Apply a thin layer of the paste around the area of skin where the splinter is.

• Be careful not to push the splinter further into the skin when applying the paste. Keep in mind the angle at which the splinter entered and apply the paste gently at that angle.

Cover the wound with a bandage. Place a piece of adhesive bandage over the paste layer. Ensure the fabric part of the bandage fully covers the splinter. You can use any type of bandage, as long as it completely covers the splinter.

Remove the bandage after a few hours. Wait for about 1 hour to 1 day before removing the bandage. Generally, deeper splinters will require a longer wait. When you remove the bandage, the splinter should come out easily.

• If the splinter doesn't come out when removing the bandage, try using tweezers (sterilize the tweezers with alcohol before use).
• If the splinter doesn't come out the first time or is deeply embedded, repeat the process and leave the bandage on for up to 24 hours.
• Wash the area with soap and water and apply antibiotic ointment once the splinter is removed.
• You can also cover the area with a bandage after removing the splinter to help the wound heal.

Apply antibiotic ointment. It's recommended to apply antibiotic ointment after removing the splinter. This will help prevent infection. You can buy antibiotic ointment at any pharmacy. Follow the instructions on the packaging.

• For instance, you can use creams like Neosporin to apply to the wound.
• If you're on medication, consult with a pharmacist before choosing an ointment. Ensure the ointment won't interact with any medications you're taking.

Stop bleeding if necessary. Sometimes, the skin may bleed after removing the splinter. In such cases, press firmly around the wound to close it and stop the bleeding. You may also need to apply a bandage.

Seek medical care in certain situations. If the splinter doesn't come out and causes heavy bleeding, you may need medical attention. You might also need help if the splinter is embedded under your fingernail or toenail. If you haven't received your full vaccinations, it's a good idea to visit a doctor to ensure you don't need a tetanus shot or other related vaccinations.

• For very deep splinters, you may need to repeat this process twice.
• If the baking soda mixture spills out under the bandage, use medical tape to prevent it from spilling further.

• Baking soda
• Water
• Soap
• Medical bandages
• Gauze
• Alcohol or alcohol-soaked cotton