Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Disinfect the injury site
• Method 2 of 3: Removing a superficial splinter
• Method 3 of 3: Removing a deep splinter
• Tips
• Warnings

If you are gardening without gloves or walking barefoot in the woods, you can drive a splinter. Of course, a splinter can be removed very easily at home. There are many ways to help you remove a splinter. Among them are soda, glue and vinegar. Just be sure to disinfect the injury before and after removing the splinter to prevent infection.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Disinfect the injury site

1. 1 Wash the affected area with soap and water. Before removing the splinter, wash the area of ​​the skin where it is located. Use a gentle soap and wash the affected area with warm water before starting the removal process.
   • Don't rub this place. Otherwise, you can drive the splinter deeper.
   • Dry with a dry towel.
2. 2 Don't try to squeeze the splinter out. Of course, it may seem that by pushing on the splinter, you can very easily remove it. However, it is not. When trying to squeeze out a splinter, you can drive it deeper or crush it into small pieces, which will aggravate the problem. If you want to remove the splinter, use other more effective methods.
3. 3 Consider it carefully. Pay attention to the angle and depth of the splinter to decide which method to use. Choose a removal method based on the location of your splinter. See how close it is to the surface.
   • If the end of the splinter protrudes above the surface of the skin, you could use tweezers to remove it.
   • If the splinter is deeper, you will need to pull it out.
   • If it is under the skin, you will need to use a needle or razor blade.
4. 4 See your doctor. If the splinter has been under your skin for several days and you notice signs of infection, see your doctor to have it removed. Do not try to do this yourself, you will only exacerbate the problem. The doctor can safely remove the splinter and bandage the wound to heal the infection.
   • If you notice pus or blood in the affected area, see your doctor.
   • If at the site of the splinter you experience itching, the site itself is red and swollen, see your doctor.

Method 2 of 3: Removing a superficial splinter

1. 1 Try removing the splinter using tweezers. This is the easiest and fastest method if part of the splinter protrudes above the surface. Use only clean tweezers. Take a pair of tweezers and grab the protruding part of the splinter, and then try to pull it out.
   • Determine in which direction you will pull out the splinter. If this is difficult to do, use a different method.
   • If the splinter is deep, do not try to pull it out with tweezers, you will only injure the skin. Use a different method instead.
2. 2 Use an adhesive plaster. Another effective way to remove a splinter if part of it rises above the surface is to use a plaster. Just stick a small piece of tape over the damaged area. Press down lightly, then remove it.
   • Do not press too hard, or you will drive the splinter deeper under your skin.
   • Scotch tape or duct tape will work as well, but don't use tape that can shatter the splinter into small pieces, it will only make things worse.
3. 3 Use an ointment. If you can't find the tip of the splinter, you can apply some ointment to the affected area to find it. When the tip of the splinter protrudes from the surface of the skin, you can use tweezers to pull it out. This method takes a little longer, but thanks to it, you can remove the splinter if it is located directly on the surface of the skin.
   • Anoint the damaged area with ichthyol ointment, and then bandage the sore spot. You can also use Epsom salts.
   • Leave the bandage on overnight. Remove the bandage in the morning and rinse under water. Pull out the splinter with tweezers.
4. 4 Use baking soda. If you don't have ichthyol ointment, try baking soda. Make a thick paste by mixing the baking soda and water, and place the mixture over the splinter. Bandage and leave overnight. Remove the bandage in the morning and rinse with water. Pull out the splinter with tweezers.
5. 5 Try raw potatoes. This method, like the previous methods, will raise the splinter slightly above the surface of the skin. Peel a raw potato and cut into small pieces. Place it on the damaged area and bandage it. Leave it overnight. Remove the bandage in the morning, rinse and pull out the splinter using tweezers.
6. 6 Use vinegar. Pour vinegar into a bowl and dip the affected area into it. After 20 minutes, you should be able to pull out the splinter as it lifts slightly above the surface of the skin. This is a good method if you have a splinter in your finger or toe. You can dip it in a small bowl.
7. 7 Use PVA glue. Apply some glue to the damaged area and let it dry. By peeling the glue off your skin, you can remove the splinter as well.
   • Do not use any other type of glue. Super glue and other types of glue can only make matters worse.
   • Use this method if the splinter is close to the surface.

Method 3 of 3: Removing a deep splinter

1. 1 Use a needle. If the splinter is located under a thin layer of skin, you can use this method. However, it is important to follow the correct procedure to avoid introducing infection. It can be done this way:
   • Make sure the damaged area is clean and dry.
   • Disinfect the needle by rubbing it with alcohol.
   • Use the tip of the needle to pry the skin over the splinter and gently open it directly over the splinter. Make scraping movements.
   • Remove the splinter with tweezers
   • Wash the area with warm, soapy water. Bandage if necessary.
2. 2 Use a blade. If the splinter is under a thick layer of skin, use a razor blade to remove it. Use this method only on thick skin such as heels. Do not use this method on thin, sensitive skin, as you can easily cut yourself. If you choose to use this method, be careful when using the blade.
   • Make sure the damaged area is clean and dry.
   • Disinfect the blade with rubbing alcohol.
   • Very carefully, make the incision in the skin over the splinter. If the skin is really rough in this area, then there should be no blood when you do this.
   • Use tweezers to remove the splinter.
   • Rinse this area and bandage if necessary.
3. 3 See your doctor if necessary. If the splinter is too deep for you to remove yourself, or if it is close to a sensitive area such as the eye, see your doctor for safe removal. The doctor has the necessary tools and can quickly remove the splinter without the risk of infection.

Tips

• Wear heavy gloves when gardening to prevent splinters.
• Be very careful.
• A splinter is easier to remove than a splinter. In addition, the shrapnel causes more discomfort and pain.

Warnings

• Try not to crush the splinter into small pieces.