How to Get Splinters Out With Boric Acid

Boric acid is a feeble acid that is often used as an antiseptic, bug killer and cleaning agent. Boric acid offers many solutions to common medical and household issues. Many people use this inexpensive acid instead of several brand name antiseptics, cleaners and insecticides. Boric acid has shown success in drawing out wood splinters or sharp objects that have penetrated the skin's two layers--the dermis and epidermis.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton swab
• Boric acid ointment
• Water
• ½ cup hydrogen peroxide
• Towel
• Tweezers
• Antiseptic ointment
• Bandage

Instructions

1. 

   Apply boric acid ointment to the splinter-affected area. Dip one to two cotton swabs into your boric acid ointment and lightly rub the area where the sharp object penetrated the skin. Boric acid contains natural antiseptic and antifungal properties that will prevent germ growth and infection.

2. Allow the boric acid to soak on the skin for 15 minutes. Check the area every two minutes to monitor the splinter's position in the skin. The splinter should be moving closer to the skin's surface layer if not protruding from the skin.

3. Sterilize the tweezers in ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide for approximately three minutes. Dry your tweezers with a clean towel before using.

4. 

   Use your tweezers to gently pull the splinter out of your skin. Do not tug or rip the splinter from the skin. The splinter removal process should not be painful. Make sure that the splinter is protruding from the skin before attempting to removal. Have a tight grip on your tweezers when pulling the sharp object from the skin.

5. Apply an antiseptic ointment onto the area affected by the splinter.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not ingest boric acid ointment. Boric acid is highly poisonous and can cause death when taken internally. Always consult your doctor before using boric acid to ensure certain medications you are taking will not interfere or cause complication in combination with boric acid. Keep boric acid away from children. Boric acid may cause minor skin irritation, nausea and vomiting.

References

• DermaDoctor.com: Common ingredients

Resources

• ChestofBooks.com: Boric Aci--Medicinal Properties