A splinter is a sliver of foreign material that gets embedded under the skin after puncturing it.
Mostly, the foreign material is wood, but it can also be glass, metal, thorn, etc.
More often than not, the embedded splinter is annoying and painful and can cause infection if not removed, as they have plenty of germs on them.
The splinters usually get embedded in the foot or hand.
Usually, you can remove them without medical intervention, but sometimes you might need the help of a doctor, especially if it gets deeply embedded.
Here, we share some excellent rules and then tips and tricks to remove the deeply embedded splinter. Stay touted.
Dos and Don’ts of removing the splinter
There are some basic dos and don’ts that you must adhere to when removing the splinter, superficial or deep. Let’s walk through them first.
Dos
- Always wash your hands and the splinter-affected area with soap and water before trying to remove the splinter to reduce the possibility of an infection.
- It’s best to soak the splintered area in warm water for some time. It makes the skin soft and more pliable for easy removal.
- If you use any tools like a tweezer, needle, etc., sterilize them to minimize infection.
- If the splinter is embedded horizontally and part of it is sticking out, remove it effortlessly by gently pulling it out using a sterilized tweezer. If it is slightly under the skin, use a sterilized needle to gently pierce the skin’s surface at one end of the splinter. Then push the splinter out with the needle and, if required, a tweezer.
- After removing the splinter, wash the area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic cream or petroleum jelly. Cover the area with a bandage till it is completely healed.
- Ensure that the tetanus vaccine is updated for the victim to minimize the risk of infection.
Don’ts
- Never pinch the skin while trying to remove the splinter, as it could break it into pieces and make the entire process more complicated.
- If you are not successful in taking it out even with the help of a splinter tool, seek medical help immediately.
Ways of removing a deeply embedded splinter
Shallow splinters are easy to remove. But if the splinter has penetrated deep, try any of the following remedies to pull it out.
● Baking soda paste
Take about one-fourth tablespoon of baking soda and mix it well with some water to make a thick but spreadable paste.
Apply and spread the paste evenly on the splinter. Now bandage the area and keep it covered for about a day.
The solution works to pull the deeply embedded splinter to the surface for easy removal using a tweezer.
Repeat the process if the splinter has not come entirely to the surface.
● Epsom salt
Epsom salt is a miraculous and versatile cure-all for several ailments, including splinters.
Here, you need to soak the splintered foot or hand in warm water to which about a cup of Epsom salt has been added.
After about ten to fifteen minutes, the deeply embedded splinter should come to the surface for easy removal.
Alternatively, you can sprinkle some salt on a pad and place it in the splintered area. Bandage the area and leave it for twenty-four hours.
It should pull the splinter to the surface for easy removal using a tweezer or needle.
● Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is also a terrific splinter removal aid.
When you pour a little hydrogen peroxide over the splintered area, it bubbles and helps draw the splinter close to the surface and even pop it out. White vinegar/oil
You can also soak the splintered area in white vinegar or oils like olive or corn.
Keep a bandage soaked in either of them on the affected area, or soak the area in a bowl filled with vinegar or oil. Eyeball the splinter after thirty minutes.
If it is still embedded but closer to the surface, soak it longer till the splinter has come up the surface sufficiently for easy removal.
● Fruits/vegetables
Certain fruits and vegetables are excellent for the painless removal of deeply embedded splinters.
Both onions and potatoes work just like baking soda paste.
You can take a slice of potato or onion, place it on the splintered area, and affix it to the skin using a band-aid.
Leave it overnight to see the splinter move closer to the surface.
Likewise, banana peels are also terrific in drawing out the deeply embedded splinter.
Simply tape the inside portion of a ripe banana peel over the splintered area and leave it overnight.
Its enzymes work to draw the splinter close to the surface. Repeat the process if the splinter does not come up in the first go.
● The tape or glue method
This method is best when the splinter is close to the surface, but the tweezer or needle fails to draw it out.
You can apply Elmer’s glue over the splintered area and let it dry completely.
Then peel the glue off along with the splinter on it.
Likewise, you can cover the area with strong duct tape and then pull off the tape. The splintered end would stick to it and easily come out.
Wrapping up
Splinters are generally sneaky but removing the need not be painful or hassling.
You must, however, always consult a doctor if you suspect anything amiss.
But your caution and above tricks can quickly avert any severe development.