How to Pull Out a Splinter

Pulling out a splinter without causing an infection, and without causing too much pain, isn't as hard as you might think.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• 2 pairs of tweezers
• alcohol prep pads
• antibacterial cream
• bandaid

1. Clean around the infected area with the fresh alcohol prep pad, being careful not to touch the splinter.
2. Thoroughly clean each pair of tweezers with alcohol pads, even if they are brand new!
3. Use one pair of tweezers to gently squeeze each side of the punctured area. Use the second pair of tweezers to grasp splinter and gently pull out.
4. Clean area again with another alcohol prep pad.
5. Place one drop of antibacterial cream onto the bandaid and apply bandaid to wound.

Tips & Warnings

• Never try to remove a splinter with a needle or by digging into the skin. If the splinter is that deep, see a doctor immediately.
• Always use clean tweezers.
• Clean the wound daily and watch for infection. At the first sign of extreme redness (after initial wound has closed), pus, or other indications of infection, see a doctor immediately.