Always bear in mind that splinters can become infected if allowed to stay under the skin for a long period of time. You have to watch out for signs of infection before attempting to remove the splinter.
- Swelling
- Redness
- Severe pain even without movement
- Drainage of pus from the wound
In case a splinter became infected, it is best to consult a doctor for removal. The chances for the splinter to become infected typically depend on what the splinter is made of. Splinters made out of organic material such as plant thorns or animal spines are more likely to cause the development of infection or toxic reactions.
Measures in removing a splinter
- Always wash hands thoroughly before attempting to remove the splinter.
- Before trying out the invasive measures, squeeze the splinter from both sides and the base of the splinter to try and work it back the way it came through.
- Clean a needle and a pair of tweezers using povidone-iodine solution. Avoid using isopropyl alcohol unless it is the only one available. Take note that povidone-iodine is more effective in eliminating bacteria than isopropyl alcohol.
- Wash the wound and surrounding area using warm water and soap. A small amount of povidone-iodine solution over the wound can also help.
- You can use a needle to open up the skin above the splinter so that you can grab it using the tweezers and remove it. In case the needle does not work, you can use a pair of nail clippers on the skin. Just remember to clean the nail clippers using povidone-iodine solution.
- Hold the end of the splinter using the tweezers and back it out of the skin.
- Cleanse the wound using soap and warm water. In addition, povidone-iodine solution can be used since it is a suitable cleanser in such cases.
Tips to bear in mind
In most cases, the pain caused by a splinter is more irritating than anything. Nevertheless, if the area becomes very tender, you can utilize a bee-sting swab to help dull the pain.
Take note that splinters under a fingernail can pose a big issue. If the tip of the splinter cannot be reached using tweezers, a doctor can be consulted. The doctor will snip off the nail and pull the splinter out. Another option is to keep the area clean and wait until the natural growth pushes out the splinter. Monitor the area closely for any signs of infection.
Check if the tetanus vaccination of the individual is up-to-date. If not, the doctor should be the one to remove the splinter when going in to receive the vaccination. Lastly, splinters will eventually work its way out of the skin naturally and might not require removal. Remember that there is no need to hurry, wait until proper cleanliness is achieved to remove the splinters.