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February 8, 2012
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Splinters

Medical Author:
Clifford Spanierman, MD
Medical Editor:
Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Thomas Rebbecchi, MD, FAAEM

Splinters Overview

Splinters are foreign bodies that are partially or fully embedded in the skin. Splinters usually are wood, but metal, glass, and even plastic materials may be considered a splinter.

Sometimes splinters have to be removed by medical professionals, especially splinters that are deeply embedded or lodged under a fingernail or toenail.

Most people with splinters, however, are able to remove them at home.

  • Splintersare usuallyfound when they penetrate the skin-usually in the hand or foot. Almost always, even fully embedded foreign bodies have a unique sensation.
  • Splinters are full of germs. If splinters are not removed (or don't work their way out themselves), they may cause an infection or an allergic response.

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Splinters

Removing Splinters »

Topic Overview

Before using tweezers or a needle, try using cellophane tape to remove a splinter. Simply put the tape over the splinter, then pull the tape off. The tape will stick to the splinter and remove it painlessly. If tape doesn't work:

  • Wash your hands well with soap and water.
  • Grasp the end of the splinter with clean tweezers, and gently pull it out.
  • If the splinter is embedded in the skin, clean a needle with alcohol and make a small hole in the skin over the end of the splinter.
  • Lift the splinter with the tip of the needle until it can be grasped with the tweezers and pulled out.
  • Do not wet or soak the splinter because it will be harder to remove in one piece.
  • After the splinter has been removed, clean the wound and watch for any signs of infection.

You may need medical care if the splinter:

  • Is very large.
  • Is deeply embedded in the skin.
  • Cannot be easily removed.
  • ...

Read the Removing Splinters article »


Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Foreign Body Removal, Wound »

Soft tissue foreign bodies are frequently a result of penetrating or abrasive trauma and can result in substantial patient discomfort, deformity, complications involving localized and systemic infection, and further trauma during removal.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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