A splinter is a small foreign body that gets stuck under the skin, usually made of wood or metal. Although the problem may seem minor, a wound that is not treated in a timely manner can cause infection or inflammation. Here's what to do if you or your child has a splinter.
Why do splinters appear?
Splinters most often occur in those who work with wood, metal, or plants without proper hand protection. They are conditionally divided into:
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household (for example, walking barefoot on a wooden floor),
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production (for joiners, carpenters, etc.),
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agricultural (through contact with plants, soil, trees).
The most dangerous splinters are those that come from the soil, as they can be infected with tetanus pathogens.
How to recognize a splinter
Signs of a splinter include:
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pain and tingling when pressed;
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swelling and redness;
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blood or inflammation;
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throbbing pain under the nail.
How to pull out a splinter at home
If the splinter is shallow, there are several safe methods:
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Baking soda – mix a teaspoon of baking soda with water to a paste, apply to the wound, secure with a plaster. After 4–5 hours, the splinter may come out on its own.
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Glue or wax – apply glue (e.g. PVA), wait for it to dry and carefully remove the film. The rolling pin will come off with it.
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Steaming – in hot water with salt (2 tablespoons of salt per glass of water) steam the affected area for 20–30 minutes. Then press on the skin – the splinter may come out.
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Needle and tweezers – only if the end of the splinter is visible. Be sure to clean the tools with alcohol before use.
What to do if the splinter is not visible or is deep
In such cases, it is better to consult a doctor. But temporarily you can use Vishnevsky ointment or Levomekol - make a compress and leave it for 6–7 hours, the foreign body may come out along with the pus.
Glass fragments should be removed with extreme care - at the same angle at which they entered the skin.
What to do if a child has a splinter
Before the procedure, soak your child's hand in warm water to soften the skin. Then gently pull out the splinter with tweezers, trying to distract the child.
What happens if you don't pull out the splinter?
The consequences can be serious:
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suppuration and inflammation of tissues;
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the appearance of panaritium (purulent inflammation of the finger);
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risk of infection, including tetanus.
If symptoms persist after removal, treat the area with an antiseptic, apply a healing ointment, and consult a doctor.
