How to safely remove a splinter: home methods and when to see a doctor

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:

  • household (for example, walking barefoot on a wooden floor),

  • production (for joiners, carpenters, etc.),

  • 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:

  • pain and tingling when pressed;

  • swelling and redness;

  • blood or inflammation;

  • throbbing pain under the nail.

How to pull out a splinter at home

If the splinter is shallow, there are several safe methods:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Needle and tweezers – only if the end of the splinter is visible. Be sure to treat 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:

  • suppuration and inflammation of tissues;

  • the appearance of panaritium (purulent inflammation of the finger);

  • risk of infection, including tetanus.

If symptoms persist after removal, treat the area with an antiseptic, apply a healing ointment, and consult a doctor.

spot_imgspot_imgspot_imgspot_img

popular

Share this post:

More like this
HERE

TV presenter Lebid talked about her weight and active metabolism

Famous Ukrainian TV presenter Olena-Khrystina Lebid admitted how much she really weighs...

Glued meat products: a risk or a safe technology for health

The range of food in supermarkets can be confusing: colorful...

Corruption suspect may leave the country due to delay in case

Yesterday, the Supreme Anti-Corruption Court did not hold a regular session...

New Android virus bypasses antiviruses and hides in the system

Cybersecurity researchers have recorded a new wave of malware evolution...

The Supreme Court of Ukraine arrested Vladyslav Marchenko in the case of corruption in defense procurement and reconstruction of "Okhmatdyt"

Vladyslav Marchenko, associated with the head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration...

From 55 to 1100 euros: social benefits for Ukrainians in different EU countries

After the war in Ukraine began, hundreds of thousands of citizens were forced...

Ambassadorial candidate with a corruption trail: what is Stefanishyna hiding?

Olga Stefanishyna, who was previously accused in a corruption case,...

Earth is accelerating: why July 10, 2025, became the shortest day in history

On July 10, 2025, the Earth set a new record —...