Splinters are foreign bodies that can be partly or completely embedded into the skin. The usual splinters are wood but other materials such as glass, metal and plastic can also pierce through the skin.
Self-care measures
When caring for a splinter at home, the following measures should be followed:
- With a pair of tweezers, hold the protruding end of the splinter and tug it out along the direction it pierced the skin. After removal, cleanse the area using water and soap.
Most cases of splinters can be easily removed and infection is not likely to develop. - In some cases, a splinter might be completely embedded into the skin. You can utilize a small needle that has been sterilized in boiling water. Cleanse the skin using an antiseptic. Maneuver the needle to steadily dislodge the splinter partially so that it can be removed with the tweezers. Wash the area using water and soap.
- If the foreign object is deeply embedded, a doctor should be seen. If only a part of the splinter was pulled out and remains embedded in the skin, the doctor should be able to remove it entirely.
Management
Remember that the ideal treatment for a splinter is its removal.
- For deeply-embedded splinters, the doctor numbs the area and create an incision using a scalpel to get rid of it.
- The doctor will try to remove all the fragments and cleanse the area thoroughly.
- In case a splinter in embedded under the fingernail, the doctor will attempt to remove a part of the fingernail to allow complete removal of the whole splinter.
- If infection has developed, the doctor will cleanse the area and perform exploration to remove the foreign object.
- In case there are indications of inflammation, the doctor might decide to explore the area or get rid of the swollen region using a scalpel.
- Antibiotics might be prescribed by the doctor.
- In case the doctor suspects that the wound is large to be left open, he/she might utilize closure methods such as sutures to close it. If infection is present, the doctor will not close the wound.
- If the vaccinations are not updated, the individual requires a tetanus shot.
Most cases of splinters can be easily removed and infection is not likely to develop. If the splinters are not eliminated, they can end up inflamed and infection is likely to occur. If a large-sized splinter is involved, it can cause a puncture wound that requires immediate care.
More Information / Disclaimer
The information posted on this page on splinters is for learning purposes only. Learn to recognize and manage splinters by taking a standard first aid course with Ottawa First Aid.