Splinters

A splinter is a sharp, slender piece of wood, bone, glass, or metal that has split or broken off under the skin from a main piece of material. Small skin splinters and fingernail, or toenail splinters, can be painful, but these can usually be removed at home. Large or deep splinters, or splinters in the eye or mouth, are best removed by a medical professional. In the rare event of profuse bleeding with a splinter, contact your healthcare provider for assistance.

Remove a small splinter with clean tweezers. Wash your hands and the skin over the splinter with soap and water before and after removal. Clean the tweezers by wiping them thoroughly with rubbing alcohol. If the end of the splinter is visible, grab it with the tweezers. It should come out easily.

If a small splinter is entirely under the skin, use a sterilized pin or needle to open the skin. Sterilize the pin or needle by soaking it in rubbing alcohol for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash your hands and the skin over the splinter with soap and water before and after removal. Use the sharp point to make a slit in the top layer of skin over the splinter. You may be able to lift the splinter out with the needle, or use tweezers to pull it out. If it is not possible to remove the splinter, call your provider. Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, tenderness, warmth, and drainage.

Some plants have spines or thorns, which may become embedded in the skin. Use the very same method to remove these as you would a splinter. Very small spines may be difficult to see. You might get them out by applying tape over the area and then pulling it off. The tape will pull out many of the very small needles with it. You might also use rubber cement or white glue. Apply it to the skin and allow it to dry. Peel the dried glue off the skin. It will take away many of the small spines with it.

Call your provider if:

• attempts to remove the splinter have failed
• the area becomes reddened, swollen, hot, or pus develops
• the splinter is in, or close to, the eye
• you are diabetic or have a chronic disease that increases your susceptibility to infection

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File PREP4920.rf2 VRS# 4920 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999, 2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.