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Splinter removal

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Splinter removal
Splinter removal
Splinter removal
Splinter removal

Definition    Return to top

A splinter is a thin piece of material (like wood, glass, or metal) that gets embedded just below the top layer of your skin.

Information    Return to top

To remove a splinter:

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
  2. Use tweezers to grab the splinter. Carefully pull it out at the same angle it went in.
  3. If the splinter is under the skin or hard to grab: Sterilize a pin or needle by soaking it in rubbing alcohol or placing the tip in a flame. Wash your hands with soap. Use the pin to gently remove skin over the splinter. Then use the tip of the pin to lift the end of the splinter out. You will probably still need to use tweezers as in step 2.
  4. Wash the area with soap and water after the splinter is out. Pat it dry. (Don't rub.) Apply antibiotic ointment. Bandage the cut only if it is likely to get dirty. It will heal faster if exposed to the air.

See your doctor if there is inflammation or pus, or if the splinter is deeply embedded. Also, seek medical attention if the splinter is close to your eye.

References    Return to top

Clark DC. Common acute hand infections. Am Fam Physician. 2003;68(11):2167-2176.

Update Date: 2/19/2008

Updated by: John E. Duldner, Jr., MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Director of Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Akron General Medical Center and Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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