A splinter may just be a sliver of wood wedged into your skin, but it sure does cause a great amount of pain! Fortunately, it is not severe and does not call for a visit to the doctor. There are a number of resources on how to get a splinter out at home. However, the moment you get a splinter, you should carry out the following steps as first aid:
- Wash and pat dry the affected region with soap and water.
- Locate the splinter and observe its size.
- Get rid of the splinter under the skin.
- Wash the area again and apply petroleum jelly.
Here, we will discuss the various methods on how to remove a splinter(1). Here are a few tried and tested ways:
Home and Natural Remedies
Here are a few excellent home remedies for how to remove a deep splinter:
1. Baking Soda
When you think of how to take out a splinter, baking soda is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. However, you can use baking soda effectively to draw out a wood splinter. Here’s how:
Why Does it Work?
On the application of baking soda, the splinter gets pushed to the surface and becomes easy to remove. Once on the surface, you can remove it using tweezers.
How to use?
Materials Required
- A tablespoon of baking soda
- A tablespoon of water
- Clean bandage
Procedure of Usage
- Combine the baking soda and water to make a paste.
- Apply the baking soda paste over the affected area and cover it with a bandage.
- Leave it alone for nearly 24 hours.
- Once you unwrap the bandage, the splinter will be on the surface and can be removed using tweezers.
How much to use?
Once it enough to draw out the splinter.
[ Read: All About Baking Soda : Health Benefits & Uses ]
2. Epsom Salt
If you’re wondering how to draw out a splinter, then Epsom salt will come to your rescue.
Read on to know how to remove a splinter with Epsom salt.
Why Does it Work?
Soaking your body in Epsom salt causes the skin to shrivel up. Additionally, Epsom salt pushes the splinter to the surface, which makes it easier to extract. Since soaking helps you reach in tough spots, it is also very effective when you are looking for remedies for how to get a splinter out of your foot.
How to use?
Materials Required
- A warm bath
- A cup of Epsom salt
Procedure of Usage
- Dissolve the Epsom salt in the bath and soak your body in it.
- Once you see the splinter emerge to the surface, remove it with tweezers.
NOTE : You can also soak a bandage pad in some Epsom salt solution and apply it over the affected region. Bandage it for about 24 hours and remove it with tweezers.
How much to use?
You can try it once or twice a day until you have gotten rid of the splinter.
3. Tweezers
Tweezers are possibly the best way to remove a splinter. Remember to sanitize it before removing the splinter.
Why Does it Work?
Tweezers have pointed tips that can catch hold of the splinter and help you extract it from the skin. It helps with the removal of a splinter under the fingernail or similar difficult spots.
How to use?
Materials Required
- A pair of tweezers
- Magnifying glass
Procedure of Usage
- Wash the affected region and pat it dry
- Hold the skin taut and locate the splinter. Use the magnifying glass if necessary.
- Grab the splinter with the tweezers and remove it from the skin. Pull in the direction in which the splinter must have gotten inside.
How much to use?
Tweezers will help you get rid of splinters once and for all.
4. Tape
Duct Tape is yet another useful tip that features on our list of how to get a splinter out of your finger. It is highly effective for getting rid of tiny splinters and fine plant stickers that are not really visible to the naked eye.
Why Does it Work?
The exposed part of the splinter gets stuck to the adhesive part of the duct tape. Thus, when you take it off your skin, it will also remove the splinter.
Materials Required
- A roll of packing or duct tape
Procedure of Usage
- Gently touch the affected area with the adhesive portion of the tape.
- Move slowly to ensure that the splinter gets stuck to the tape.
- Once the splinter is caught, gently peel the tap off your skin. The splinter should come off with the tape.
How much to use?
You may have to repeat this remedy until the splinter comes off.
5. Potato
You can use a potato to draw out the splinter from your skin. Here’s how:
Why Does it Work?
While science has no clear answer as to how this technique works, it is believed that the tension and adhesion of the water-content of potato that draws out the splinter. Plus, the splinter could get stuck in the thin layer of potato and can be extracted.
How to use?
Materials Required
- A raw potato
- Clean bandages
Procedure of Usage
- Cut out a thin slice of the potato and place it over the splinter.
- Press the slice downwards and secure it with a bandage. Leave it on for 24 hours.
NOTE : Alternatively, you could slice off a fine sliver of potato, press it down over the splinter and take it off. The splinter will come off with the potato slice.
How much to use?
Do this once a day until the splinter comes off.
Splinters are a common occurrence and can happen to children and adults alike. The tips mentioned above can help you easily and painlessly get rid of splinters in no time. Once the splinter has been removed, wash and clean the wound to prevent infection. If you are unable to remove the splinter on your own, seek professional medical help. Visit your doctor in case the splinter shows signs of developing an infection.
FAQs
Now that you know how to get rid of splinters, here are a few frequently asked questions that we are addressing:
1. What precautions should one take to avoid splinters?
While a splinter is unavoidable, you can take a little care to prevent splinters. Wear shoes to avoid getting splinters on your feet and wear protective gloves while working with wood or gardening to keep your hands safe.
2. What happens if you don’t remove the splinter?
In some cases, a splinter may come out by itself. However, if unremoved, it can lead to splinter infection. An infected splinter normally discharges pus, gets swollen, causes redness and intense pain.
3. When should you visit a doctor for a splinter?
Visit a doctor if the splinter is deep, large, or located in or around your eye. You should also see a medical professional if the splinter appears to be infected. In certain cases, your doctor may also administer a tetanus booster shot if you haven’t had it in the past five years.
