How To Remove a Splinter

Removing a skin splinter has to be performed with utmost care and caution. This article will help you with some important tips.

Steps:

1. Carefully inspect the splinter area to find out the depth and condition of the skin injury. For splinters that appear quite superficial can be washed with antibacterial soap and warm water. Using a gentle wiping motion helps in preventing the splinter from embedding deeply in the skin and never move it.

2. Wash the area with one ounce of a solution prepared with one-half water and one-half hydrogen peroxide. For small or deeply wedged splinters that doesnt extricate with it, try rinsing a half-ounce of unmixed straight peroxide with water on the splinter. Wait for few minutes to watch the splinter coming out.

3. If the splinter doesnt emerge such that you can take it away with your thumb and forefinger, you can pull it out with a sterilized pair of manicure scissors. Yu can either heat the tip of the scissors or rub it with alcohol over the tips. Using tips, gently grab the edge of the splinter to pull it out.

4. Even if the splinter is too small for grabbing with scissors or you are afraid that you may snip it off, you can use sterilized pair of tweezers to pull the splinter out. Sterilize it as you have done for scissors. Using the tweezers for grasping the edge of the splinter, slowly pull out the splinter.

5. If the splinter is too small for removing by these methods, it is better to wait for a day or two to watch the splinter comes out on its own. However, consulting a doctor is highly recommended if the splinter is too thick, long, and above all dirty.

Once the splinter has been removed, it is always advised to wash the area again to prevent infection. You can disinfect the area using an antibiotic cream. Use alcohol, soap and water to clean the wound often with. For any signs of redness, swelling, itchiness, and pus consult your doctor.