How to Remove a Splinter From an Infant's Hand

Prompt removal of a splinter is essential.

A splinter not only causes discomfort to your infant, but it can also lead to infections, such as tetanus. When you don't remove a splinter, it can become embedded beneath the skin, trapping it. This can be potentially harmful for your infant, especially if he doesn't have up-t-date vaccinations. You can use the tape or tweezer method to extract a splinter. However, Sutter Health recommends using the tape method prior to resorting to tweezers. See your child's pediatrician, if the splinter breaks off while trying to remove it.

Things You'll Need

• Cellophane tape
• Soap
• Antibiotic ointment
• Bandage
• Tweezers
• Cotton ball
• Rubbing alcohol

Instructions

Tape Method

1. Cut enough cellophane tape to cover the splinter. Leave enough tape at the end to use as a pull tab.

2. Apply the tape in the direction the splinter was embedded. Quickly pull the tape away from your infant's hand.

3. Wash your infant's hand with soap and water. Spread a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to the affected area and cover it with a bandage.

Tweezer Removal

1. 

   Ensure that your tweezers are clean prior to using.

   Cleanse your hands and wash your infant's hands. Sterilize your tweezers by cleaning the ends with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol.

2. Pinch the splinter with your tweezers. Gently pull the splinter out. Pulling too forcefully can break the splinter in half, making removal of the rest of the splinter difficult.

3. 

   Cover the wound.

   Wash your infant's hand again. Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage.

Tips & Warnings

• Singing a lullaby to your infant can help make the process easier.

• Never use duct tape on your infant. The adhesive can cause damage to your child's skin.

• Don't soak your infant's hand in water prior to removing the splinter. Soaking can make the splinter difficult to remove, notes Sutter Health.

• Alert your pediatrician if your infant develops oozing, inflammation that's red and hot to the touch or if fever develops.

• Avoid using a needle to remove a splinter. Your infant's wriggling can cause accidental poking.

References

• Sutter Health: Removing Splinters

Resources

• Kids Health: Splinters