How to Remove a Splinter

Splinter Removal

This article is for you if you have a sliver of wood or some other material stuck under your skin.

Things You'll Need

• Tweezers
• Water to boil
• Antibiotic creams
• Bandage

Instructions

1. Before I explain how to remove a splinter, I think it is necessary to give some important information about splinters. The first thing you should know is that the primary concern with splinters is infection. Infection can be avoided if the area of concern is kept clean. Secondly, unless the splinter is very large, or very deep under a fingernail or toenail,nearly all of them can be removed with self-help measures.

2. Do not attempt to remove any large or deeply embedded splinters. Talk to your doctor about removal so you can avoid further damage and or infection.

3. If the splinter is made of wood, DO NOT get the area wet. Water will cause the wood splinter to swell and become soft making it much more difficult to remove it.

4. If the splinter is small, it can be removed using a sterile pair of tweezers and a sharp needle. Wash your hand and sterilize the tweezers and needle before you attempt to remove the splinter. Boil the tweezers and needle is water or dip them in rubbing alcohol before use. Make sure that you allow sufficient time for cooling. Once the tweezers are ready, attempt to grab the splinter. If you do not succeed, attempt to lift the splinter with the tip of the needle. Do not persistently poke at the area as it will become red and painful.

5. After you remove the splinter wash the area with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic cream and wrap the area in a bandage. Over the next few days, look for redness, swelling, fever and pus as these as signs of infection. Wash and bandage the area over the next 5 days to avoid infection.

6. If the splinter is very small and does not hurt or affect your everyday life, you may want to wait until it comes out on its own. Again, keep the area very clean to avoid infection.

7. Listed here are the many ways o avoid getting splinters. Wear or slippers when walking on wood floors or decks, and advice your children to do the same. Do not rub wood surfaces against the grain. Vacuum clean your floor and rug immediately, if you break an object made of glass or china.