Splinters

Black Widow vs. Brown Recluse Slideshow

• Splinters Overview
• Splinters Causes
• Splinters Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Splinters Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Next Steps
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

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.

• Splinters are usually found 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.